Core Word “Need”: Drinks, Breaks and the Bathroom

Picture card for the core word need: a child raising a hand next to a bright exclamation mark

Want or need? Why the difference matters

Want (week 6) asks for something nice. Need says it matters: a drink when they are thirsty, a break when a room is too loud, the bathroom. Saying it clearly, before a hard moment builds up, helps everyone.

It builds on week 11’s I and week 4’s help: I need help is one of the most useful sentences there is. Don’t worry if want and need get mixed up at first. Answer the message, and show the difference in the way you talk.

Missing spoons, loud rooms and hugs: when you need something

Meals

Hand over a yogurt without a spoon, or juice without a cup, and wait: “Oops! We need a spoon.”
While you cook, say what you need: “I need the salt. I need a big pan.”

Drinks and the bathroom

After running around: “Phew, I’m thirsty. I need a drink.” Then get one together.
Before you leave the house, say it plainly for yourself: “I need the bathroom first.”

Breaks and noise

When a place gets loud or busy, model it for yourself: “Too loud. I need a break.” Step outside together for a minute.
If the person covers their ears or heads for the door, give them the words: “You need quiet? Let’s go.”

Getting ready

Before an outing, check together: “What do we need? Coat, keys, water.”
Your own things, out loud: “I need my glasses to read this.” “I need my phone.”

Feelings and comfort

Say it when you feel it: “I need a hug.” Open your arms and wait.
After a hard moment, offer both: “Do you need a hug, or some space?” Then respect the answer.

At school, work or therapy

Keep need, help, break and bathroom where the work happens, and point to them as you hand out a task: “If you need help, tell me.”
With adults at work or a day program: “Do you need anything before we start?” Wait, and look at the board together.

What it can look like

Alex, who is 22, goes to a day program three mornings a week. Today the room is busy: a radio, a group game, a vacuum cleaner out in the hall. His support worker sees him cover his ears and look at the door. She points to I and need on his board: “Do you need something?” and waits. Alex taps need, then break. “You need a break. Thank you for telling me.” They sit in the quiet room for ten minutes. On the way back, Alex taps I, need and drink, and they stop at the water cooler.

I need help, need a break, need the bathroom

Keep the words for the person’s most urgent needs right next to need on the board.

I need
need help
need a break
need a drink
need the bathroom
you need?

If everything is a need, or you can’t meet it straight away

If they say need for everything

That’s fine at first: the word worked, so they use it. Answer it, and keep showing the difference in your own talk: “I need my coat. I want a cookie.”

If you can’t meet the need straight away

Say that you heard, and how long: “You need the bathroom. Two more minutes, then we stop.” Count down out loud, and stop when you said you would.

Note for home: say your own needs out loud

This week we are learning need. Point to need when you need something: “I need a spoon.” “I need a break.” Say your own needs out loud, and help your child say theirs: a drink, the bathroom, help, a hug. If your child points to need, stop what you are doing and find out what it is, as soon as you can.

The same note is printed at the bottom of the week’s page, with a box to tick for each day. For families who are new to modeling, send the one-page AAC modeling at home handout with it, and keep using the word cards from earlier weeks.

More core word of the week plans

All core word printables and guides

Need a different board? Make your own with the free AAC board maker.

These cards, handouts and plans are general information, not therapy or medical advice, and they don’t replace a speech therapist. A speech therapist who knows the person can help choose the right words and the right way to practice. Everything here is free to print and share; please don’t sell it (terms of use). Questions? Email support@lmnoplabs.fun.