Root Words Communication Tags - Helping Every Voice Be Heard

Simple words. Big impact. Communication that meets kids where they are. 

Root Words are simple, durable assistive communication aids designed to help kids express needs, feelings, boundaries, choices, sensory needs, and everyday messages—whether they use spoken language all the time, some of the time, or not at all. 

What are Root Words? 

Root Words are physical communication tools for children that offer kids another way to articulate their needs. A child can point to a card, show it, or hand it to someone when spoken words are unavailable, delayed, difficult, or simply not the best communication tool in that moment. There’s no requirement to say the word out loud. Communication counts in every form. 

Who are Root Words for? 

Root Words are designed for kids with all kinds of communication styles—including verbal kids, emerging communicators, AAC users, and those who sometimes find speaking difficult. They can be especially useful during overwhelm, transitions, sensory overload, stressful situations, or any time finding spoken words gets harder. 

Does my child have to be nonverbal to use Root Words? 

Nope. Communication needs aren't divided into "speaking" and "not speaking." A child may talk all day and still struggle to access spoken language when they're overwhelmed, tired, scared, hurting, or dysregulated. Root Words simply gives them another option. 

Are Root Words a replacement for AAC? 

No. Root Words are communication supports, not a replacement for an AAC device, a comprehensive AAC system, speech-language therapy, or individualized professional guidance. Think of Root Words as another tool in the communication toolbox—not the whole toolbox. 

How does my child use the cards? 

There isn't one "right" way. Your child can: 

- Point to a card 

- Hand you a card 

- Show you a card 

- Carry commonly used cards with them 

- Use them alongside speech, gestures, signs, or AAC 

The goal is communication—not performance. Your child doesn't need to repeat the word, make eye contact, or prove they can use the card correctly before their message is respected. 

How do I introduce Root Words? 

Keep it simple and low-pressure. Place the cards somewhere easy to reach, especially in areas where communication tends to get harder—the kitchen, car, bathroom, backpack, classroom, therapy space, or calm-down area. Then model instead of quiz. For example, you might point to BREAK while naturally saying, "I need a break." Your child doesn't have to copy you; you're simply showing them that the card has meaning and that using it gets their message across. 

What kinds of words are available? 

Root Words cover communication across everyday life, including: 

Needs • Sensory & Regulation • Feelings & Body • Daily Life & Choices • Communication & Safety • People & Custom Options 

Examples include words and messages such as Help, Yes, No, Stop, More, All Done, Eat, Drink, Bathroom, Break, Quiet, Happy, Sad, Mad, Scared, Space, Give Me More Time, Too Loud, Outside, and many more. 

What if my child doesn't need every word? 

Good. They don't have to. More choices aren't automatically better choices. Start with the words that are useful right now. You can add, remove, or change cards as your child's communication needs evolve. Root Words are meant to work for the person using them—not force that person into somebody else's system. 

Can I build my own set? 

Yes. Build-your-own options let you choose the words that matter most for your child rather than purchasing a pile of cards they'll never use. Because nobody needs another drawer full of "helpful" stuff collecting dust. 

Where can Root Words be used? 

Pretty much anywhere communication happens: Home. School. Therapy. The car. Grandma's house. Restaurants. Appointments. Errands. Community outings. Travel. The physical cards are designed to be lightweight, durable, easy to clean, and portable so communication doesn't have to stay parked at the kitchen table. 

Are Root Words durable? 

Yes. The physical Root Words cards are created for everyday kid life. Product materials describe them as 3D printed using strong materials, lightweight, easy to clean, and able to attach to backpacks, belts, lanyards, and other everyday gear. Because if a communication tool can't survive actual children, we've got a problem. 

Can Root Words help during meltdowns or sensory overload? 

They can provide another communication option during moments when speaking is difficult. Cards such as Break, Quiet, Space, Headphones, Too Loud, Too Bright, Lights Lower, Move, Outside, It Hurts, and I Don't Know can give a child a concrete way to communicate what's happening or what they need. Root Words aren't meant to stop or "fix" a meltdown; they're there to help make communication more accessible. 

What happens when my child uses a Root Word? 

Honor the message. Whenever it's safe and possible, respond to what your child communicated. If the answer has to be no, acknowledge the message first and give a clear alternative when you can. The card shouldn't become another hoop a child has to jump through to have their needs recognized. Basic needs, comfort, or safety should never be withheld until a child uses a card. 

Can parents, teachers, and therapists use Root Words too? 

Absolutely. Communication works better when the adults around a child model it too. Parents, caregivers, teachers, therapists, and other support people can point to or show Root Words while communicating naturally. Using a communication support isn't something a child should have to do alone. 

What is Pass the Words? 

Pass the Words is the give-forward side of Root Words. It allows someone to purchase a Root Words set that can be passed along to a child, family, classroom, therapist, or organization that could use communication tools but may not otherwise have access to them. You may not need Root Words in your home, but another child might. 

Still have questions? 

Reach out to the Rogue Roots Project or explore the Root Words collection to find the speech support resources that make sense for your child, classroom, therapy space, or family. 

Simple words. Big impact. Helping every voice take root.