Last updated 2026-07-09
TL;DR
The AbleNet Little Step-by-Step is a single-switch AAC device that stores several pre-recorded messages and plays them back one at a time, in order. It costs roughly $130 to $160, needs no tech skills to program, and shows up constantly with toddlers, kids with motor impairments, and early AAC learners. It's not app-based and won't generate new language. For sequential communication, though, it's one of the steadiest starter devices you can buy.
What is the AbleNet Little Step-by-Step, and what does it actually do?
The AbleNet Little Step-by-Step Multi-Message is a battery-powered, single-switch communication device for people learning to use AAC or who need a plain way to join conversations, activities, and routines. It's small, about 4.5 inches across, and it sits flat on a table or mounts to a surface. One press of the big activation surface plays the first message you've recorded. Press again, it plays the second. And so on, cycling through up to 75 seconds of total recording time spread across as many messages as you want, recorded back-to-back. [1]
That sequential playback is the whole point of the device. You're not picking from a grid of symbols the way you would with a full dynamic AAC system. You set up a script, and the child activates it step by step. For certain tasks that's a real advantage. A child can "read" a book by hitting the switch to advance each page's line, greet a classmate with a multi-part exchange, or run through a predictable routine ("I'm done. Can I have a break?").
AbleNet has made this device for decades, and it has a strong track record in early childhood special education. [2] It won't replace a more expressive system for kids who need flexible language. But for building cause-and-effect understanding, practicing turn-taking, or giving a child a clear way into aided language, it does that job well.
Who is this device designed for?
The Little Step-by-Step shows up most often with three groups of kids.
First, very young AAC beginners, usually toddlers or preschoolers whose therapist wants to introduce one idea: "I press something and communication happens." The large activation surface (no fine motor precision needed) and the instant sound feedback make this a good first device. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association says AAC intervention should begin as early as possible and that simple, single-message devices are appropriate starting points for early communicative competence. [3]
Second, children with significant motor impairments, including cerebral palsy, who can activate a single switch but can't yet work a dynamic display. The Little Step-by-Step takes an external switch, so a child can use it with a head switch, a foot switch, a sip-and-puff switch, or whatever access method fits them.
Third, kids with autism or other developmental differences who do better with scripted, predictable language in structured settings. If a child is working on initiating greetings, requesting a snack, or joining a group activity, a pre-recorded sequence takes away the need to build new language under pressure. [4]
It also gets used with adults who have acquired communication differences, but this article stays on pediatric use. The manufacturer's documentation lists AAC learners and individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, and traumatic brain injury as the main populations. [1]
How does recording and programming actually work?
This is where the device earns its reputation for simplicity. No apps, no Bluetooth, no software downloads. Here's the process.
1. Lift the record/play switch on the side to the record position. 2. Press the activation surface and speak your first message into the built-in microphone. 3. Release the surface to end that message. 4. Press again to record the next message. 5. Keep going until all messages are recorded. 6. Flip back to play mode.
That's it. A parent, teacher, or therapist can reprogram it in under two minutes. The recording quality is fine for clear speech but not studio-grade, which matters if your child has auditory processing sensitivities. Some families record slower, cleaner sentences and get better results than recording at conversation speed.
The device has a level indicator so you can see how much recording time you've used. Total capacity is 75 seconds, which sounds short but covers most sequential scripts easily. A four-message morning greeting routine uses maybe 20 seconds.
One practical note: there's no password protection or lock on the recording mode. Kids who find the switch can erase everything. A small piece of tape over the side switch is a common workaround in classrooms.
What does the Little Step-by-Step cost, and is it covered by insurance or Medicaid?
The Little Step-by-Step Multi-Message retails for roughly $129 to $159 depending on the seller. AbleNet's own website lists it in that range, and it's also sold through vendors like Enabling Devices and various special education supply catalogs. [1] Prices have held steady for years.
Coverage is the harder question. Medicaid can cover AAC devices, including simple dedicated ones like this, when a speech-language pathologist documents medical necessity. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services classifies AAC devices as durable medical equipment (DME), and many state Medicaid plans follow that framework for children under the EPSDT (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment) benefit. [5] EPSDT requires states to cover any medically necessary service for children under 21, which families have used successfully to fund AAC devices.
Private insurance is far less predictable. Some plans cover it under DME with a prescription and SLP documentation. Others exclude it as "educational" equipment. You'll need a prior authorization letter from your SLP, usually with the evaluation findings, the specific device requested, and why other options don't fit.
School districts can also provide AAC devices through an IEP under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) if the team decides the device is necessary for the child's education. [6] The device stays with the school in that case, which is why many families chase separate insurance funding for a home device.
At $130 to $160, plenty of families just pay out of pocket and skip the insurance fight. That's a judgment call based on your situation.
How does the Little Step-by-Step compare to other beginner AAC devices?
It helps to see where this device sits against the broader beginner AAC lineup.
| Device | Messages | Price (approx.) | Dynamic display | External switch | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AbleNet Little Step-by-Step | Sequential, 75 sec total | $129-$159 | No | Yes (3.5mm) | Sequential scripts, motor access |
| AbleNet BIGmack | 1 message | ~$99 | No | Yes | Single message, cause-and-effect |
| Enabling Devices Tech/Talk 8+8 | 8 messages, 2 levels | ~$130-$170 | No | Yes | Choosing from options |
| GoTalk 9+ | 45 messages, 5 levels | ~$180-$220 | No | No | More vocabulary, picture symbols |
| iPad with Proloquo2Go | Thousands of words | $200+ hardware + $250/yr app | Yes | Via Bluetooth | Full AAC, language building |
The Little Step-by-Step fills a specific niche: sequential playback with switch access at a fair price. The BIGmack is simpler (one message). The GoTalk line is more complex and leans toward choice-making. None of these replace a full dynamic AAC system for a child who needs flexible expressive language. [3]
For children further along, or who need to build a real vocabulary, AAC devices with dynamic language systems are the right direction. The Little Step-by-Step is a tool, not a destination.
Can you use the Little Step-by-Step with autism specifically?
Yes, and it gets a lot of use in autism support settings. The real question is what the child actually needs to communicate.
For kids working on joint attention, turn-taking, and joining structured activities, a sequential device strips away a lot of demand. The child doesn't have to work a symbol system or build a new sentence. They press, communicate, wait for a response, press again. That predictability can support participation in kids who are still getting comfortable with communication as a back-and-forth. [4]
For children with autism who also have apraxia of speech or significant motor-speech differences, the device gives them a reliable voice when spoken words are unavailable or exhausting. Research keeps finding that giving a child AAC does not reduce speech development and may support it. A 2006 systematic review in the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research found no evidence that AAC inhibits speech production and noted positive trends toward increased speech in several studies. [7]
For children ready for more flexible communication, asking new questions, commenting on the fly, building sentence structure, the Little Step-by-Step will feel limiting fast. That's not a failure. It's a sign the child is ready for something more powerful.
If your child is in autism spectrum speech therapy, bring this device (or your interest in it) to your SLP. They can tell you whether it fits where your child is right now.
What does the research say about single-switch sequential AAC devices?
There isn't a big pile of randomized trials on the Little Step-by-Step by name. That's normal in AAC research, which tends to study populations and access strategies rather than individual commercial products. What we do have is solid evidence for the approach.
Single-switch scanning and step-scanning have been studied as access methods for individuals with motor impairments for decades. The evidence for using low-tech and simple high-tech AAC alongside more capable systems is summarized in ASHA's practice portal on AAC, which describes "aided language stimulation" and multimodal communication as evidence-based approaches. [3]
For young children specifically, research on pre-symbolic and early symbolic communication supports meeting kids at their current access and cognitive level before introducing complex systems. Romski and Sevcik's work on AAC in early intervention found that even children with limited intentional communication showed increases in communicative acts with the right AAC support. [8]
One honest caveat. Getting from "this approach works" to "this specific device is the right tool" takes clinical judgment. The device is the vehicle. The intervention strategy, the modeling by communication partners, and the contexts where it's used matter far more than the box itself. ASHA's position is that device selection should be driven by a full assessment, not by what's on hand or what a family prefers. [3]
How do you actually use this device in daily routines at home?
The most common mistake families make is recording messages and then waiting for the child to use the device on their own. That's not how it starts. You need to model. You press the device, say the message out loud, and respond to it yourself. Over and over. That's aided language input, and it teaches the child what the device is for. [9]
Here are routines that work well with a sequential device.
Mealtime request sequence: "I'm hungry." / "Can I have [food]?" / "More please." / "All done."
Book reading: Record one line or sound effect per page. The child presses to join the story. Press, listen, turn page, press again.
Greeting routine: "Hi!" / "My name is [name]." / "I'm doing okay." This one earns its keep at school drop-off.
Activity request and wrap-up: "I want to play." / "I need a break." / "I'm finished."
Match the number of messages to the child's attention span and the context. Two or three for a two-year-old. Maybe four to six for a four-year-old working a specific script. Cramming the device with too many messages defeats the purpose.
If your child is also working with a therapist through early intervention services, ask them to help you build the scripts. An SLP who knows your child can suggest vocabulary that matches their current level and the goals in their plan.
What are the real limitations of this device?
Be honest with yourself about what this device cannot do.
It cannot generate new language. Every word it says was pre-recorded by an adult. So it can't support spontaneous conversation, unexpected questions, or anything nobody thought to record. A child ready to say something you didn't script is stuck.
It has no built-in visual symbol support. The surface takes a paper symbol or photo under a clear cover, but it doesn't show symbols dynamically. For kids learning to read symbols alongside speech output, other devices handle this far better.
The recording erases by accident. As noted, the record/play switch is right there for curious hands.
The audio quality, while workable, isn't natural. It's whoever recorded it, played through a small speaker. For some kids with auditory processing differences, that distortion is a barrier.
And the biggest limit: sequential playback goes one direction only. If a child wants message three without hearing one and two, they have to press through the whole sequence. No random access.
None of this makes the device bad. It makes it a specific tool for specific jobs. If your child needs speech therapy for a broader range of communication challenges, the Little Step-by-Step may be one piece of a larger toolkit rather than the whole answer.
How does the Little Step-by-Step fit into a broader AAC system?
Most SLPs who work with AAC don't recommend a single device as a complete communication system. The field has moved toward a "multimodal" approach, which recognizes that most people, AAC users included, communicate through a mix of speech, gestures, symbols, devices, and more. [3]
The Little Step-by-Step works well as a context-specific tool. A child might use a full AAC app on a tablet for most communication, then bring the Step-by-Step to one activity where sequential participation is the goal, like circle time or a reading group. The two systems aren't competing.
For children beginning their AAC path whose families or schools can't yet get to a full system, the Little Step-by-Step can be a bridge. It builds the motor routine of "press a thing to communicate" and sets the habit of aided communication before a more complex system arrives.
If a child uses the Little Step-by-Step and keeps running out of messages or tries to say things nobody programmed, that's the signal the child is ready for something more expressive. Good news, actually. Work with your SLP to plan the next step, which might mean a device with more vocabulary, a symbol-based system, or an app-based AAC solution. Some families find that a tool like Little Words helps with language modeling at home between therapy sessions, especially while waiting on device funding or evaluation.
Timing matters. Research on early intervention consistently shows earlier AAC access leads to better communication outcomes. [8] Don't wait for a child to "prove" they need a device. If a child has a communication need and the Little Step-by-Step meets it today, use it today.
Where can you buy the AbleNet Little Step-by-Step, and what should you check before purchasing?
You can buy directly from AbleNet's website (ablenetinc.com) or from authorized distributors including Enabling Devices, Therapro, and PCI Education. Amazon carries it through various sellers too, though confirm you're buying from a reputable AAC supply vendor rather than an unauthorized reseller so the return policy and warranty hold up.
AbleNet's standard warranty on this device is one year from the date of purchase. [1] Before you order, check a few things.
Does your SLP recommend this specific device for your child? If you're buying without a clinical recommendation, at least get a therapist to weigh in on whether a sequential device fits your child's needs. A device that isn't a good fit is a wasted $140.
Do you need switch access? The device has a 3.5mm external switch jack. If your child needs an adapted switch, budget for that switch separately. Switch prices run from around $30 for a simple jellybean switch to over $200 for specialized access options.
Do you want to try before you buy? Many school-based AAC specialists keep demo devices. Some AT lending libraries (state assistive technology programs, funded under the Assistive Technology Act) let families borrow devices for trial periods. [10] Find your state's program through the Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP).
For families weighing broader AAC device options alongside or after this one, an SLP evaluation for AAC is the right starting point. Many families reach this through early intervention services (for children under 3) or school-based services (ages 3 and up).
What questions should you ask your speech therapist before getting this device?
Walking into a conversation with your SLP with sharp questions makes a real difference. Here are the ones worth asking.
"Is my child at a point where cause-and-effect communication is established, or are we still building that?" If a child doesn't yet grasp that pressing something causes a result, the Little Step-by-Step might be early, and a single-message device like the BIGmack is a better start.
"Is sequential communication a goal we're working toward?" If your child's current goals lean toward choice-making or building vocabulary, a device with multiple buttons for simultaneous options might serve those goals better.
"Can we trial this device before committing?" Any AAC-aware SLP should back a trial period before a family buys.
"What scripts should we program first?" Here's where clinical expertise shows. An SLP who knows your child's daily routines and communication contexts can suggest messages that work right away instead of generic ones.
"How will this connect to any future, more capable AAC system?" If a more complex system is coming, understanding how the Little Step-by-Step fits that path helps.
If you don't have an SLP right now, early intervention programs (for children under 3, free under IDEA Part C) [6] or public school special education evaluations (for children 3 and older, also free under IDEA Part B) can connect you with one. You can also ask your pediatrician for a referral. Pediatricians should be following AAC and speech delay guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics. [11]
A knowledgeable speech therapist who specializes in AAC is worth seeking out, especially if your child's needs are complex. Not all SLPs have deep AAC training. The ASHA directory lets you filter by specialty. If your local options are thin, online speech therapy with an AAC specialist is a real option that has grown a lot since 2020.
Frequently asked questions
How many messages can the AbleNet Little Step-by-Step hold?
The device doesn't have a fixed message count. It has 75 seconds of total recording time, and you record as many messages as you want back to back within that limit. A short two-second message and a longer ten-second message both count against the same 75-second total. Most users record anywhere from two to fifteen messages depending on the activity.
Does the Little Step-by-Step work with external switches?
Yes. It has a standard 3.5mm (mono) external switch jack. Any single switch with a 3.5mm plug, including jellybean switches, buddy buttons, or specialized access switches for children with motor impairments, will work. The external switch replaces the top activation surface, so the child can access the device from wherever the switch is positioned.
What batteries does the Little Step-by-Step use?
The device runs on two AA batteries, which are included with purchase. Battery life is generally good for a low-use device because power is only consumed during playback and recording. Many families report months of use before needing to replace batteries, though classroom use with frequent activation will drain them faster.
Is this device the same as the original Step-by-Step?
No. AbleNet makes a larger Step-by-Step (sometimes called the Big Step-by-Step or just Step-by-Step) and the Little Step-by-Step, which is physically smaller at about 4.5 inches in diameter. Both use the same sequential recording concept and 75-second capacity. The Little version is designed for portability and use with younger children or in smaller spaces. Functionality is essentially the same.
Will my child's school provide this device through the IEP?
Possibly. Under IDEA, if an IEP team determines that a communication device is necessary for a child to access their education, the school must provide it at no cost to the family. The device would remain school property. If you want a device for home use, you'd need to pursue separate funding through Medicaid or insurance, or pay out of pocket. Talk to your child's special education teacher or case manager about the IEP process.
Can you use the Little Step-by-Step with a child who has apraxia of speech?
Yes, and it can be particularly helpful for children with childhood apraxia of speech who have reliable single-switch motor access. The device gives them a way to communicate during periods when verbal output is effortful or inconsistent. It's not a treatment for apraxia, but as a communication support it removes some pressure. Your SLP can help integrate it with your child's overall plan. See also our article on childhood apraxia of speech.
What's the difference between the Little Step-by-Step and a BIGmack?
The BIGmack records a single message, roughly 20 seconds. Press it, it plays, press again, it plays the same message. The Little Step-by-Step records multiple messages played back in sequence. BIGmack is ideal for one targeted phrase ("I want more"). The Little Step-by-Step is better when a child needs to participate in a multi-step exchange or activity. Many SLPs start with BIGmack and move to the Little Step-by-Step when the child is ready for sequential communication.
Does using an AAC device like this prevent my child from learning to talk?
No. Research consistently finds no evidence that AAC use inhibits speech development. A 2006 systematic review in the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research found no evidence that AAC suppresses speech and noted positive trends toward increased speech in many participants. ASHA's position is that AAC should not be withheld based on concern about reducing vocal communication. Giving a child a reliable communication channel often reduces frustration and can support, not replace, speech development.
What age is the Little Step-by-Step appropriate for?
AbleNet does not specify a minimum age, and the device gets used from toddlerhood through adulthood. For children under two, therapists often start with a single-message device first to build cause-and-effect understanding before introducing a sequence. By ages two to three, many children are ready for a sequential device if guided by an SLP. The right age depends on the child's motor skills, understanding of cause-and-effect, and communication goals, not a birth date.
Can the Little Step-by-Step be mounted to a wheelchair or table?
Yes. The device has a mounting slot on the bottom compatible with standard RAM mount and similar mounting systems. AbleNet and third-party vendors sell compatible mounting hardware separately. This is particularly useful for children with motor impairments who need the device positioned at a consistent, accessible location. Check that any mounting system you buy specifies compatibility with AbleNet switch mounts before purchasing.
How do I know if my child needs this device or a more advanced AAC system?
An AAC evaluation by a qualified speech-language pathologist is the right way to answer this. As a rough guide: if your child needs to communicate more than scripted sequences, express novel ideas, or build vocabulary beyond pre-recorded messages, they likely need a more capable system. The Little Step-by-Step is excellent for sequential participation and early communicators. It is not designed to be a child's primary, long-term communication system for most kids with significant language needs.
Is the Little Step-by-Step waterproof or durable enough for daily use?
It is not waterproof or rated for water resistance. It's a reasonably durable plastic device that holds up to normal classroom and home use, but it should not be exposed to water or dropped repeatedly on hard surfaces. Families of children who are rough on devices sometimes store it in a protective pouch. If durability is a significant concern, ask your SLP about ruggedized AAC options, though most of those are higher-cost systems.
Can I record messages in a language other than English?
Absolutely. The device records any sound, including speech in any language. Families who speak Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, or any other language at home can record messages in that language. This is one of the device's quiet strengths: there's no software to update, no language pack to purchase. The voice the child hears is a familiar voice speaking a familiar language, which can meaningfully support communication for multilingual families.
Sources
- AbleNet Inc., Little Step-by-Step product page: Device specifications: 4.5-inch diameter, 75 seconds recording time, 3.5mm external switch jack, one-year warranty, retail price approximately $129-$159
- AbleNet Inc., company overview: AbleNet has manufactured single-switch AAC and assistive technology devices for several decades for special education and disability communities
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, AAC Practice Portal: ASHA states AAC intervention should begin as early as possible; describes aided language stimulation and multimodal communication as evidence-based; device selection should be driven by full assessment; AAC should not be withheld due to concern about inhibiting speech
- ASHA, Autism Spectrum Disorder practice portal: AAC supports communication for individuals with autism; predictable, structured communication supports can facilitate participation in children with autism
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, EPSDT benefit overview: EPSDT requires states to cover any medically necessary service for children under 21, including AAC devices classified as durable medical equipment
- U.S. Department of Education, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act overview: IDEA Part C covers early intervention for children under 3 at no cost; IDEA Part B covers school-age children ages 3 and up; IEP teams must provide assistive technology including AAC devices if determined necessary for educational access
- Millar, D.C., Light, J.C., & Schlosser, R.W. (2006). The impact of augmentative and alternative communication intervention on the speech production of individuals with developmental disabilities. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 49(2), 248-264.: Systematic review found no evidence that AAC inhibits speech production and noted positive trends toward increased speech in several studies of AAC users with developmental disabilities
- Romski, M., & Sevcik, R.A. Augmentative communication and early intervention: Myths and realities. Infants and Young Children.: Even children with limited intentional communication showed increases in communicative acts with appropriate AAC support; earlier AAC access is associated with better communication outcomes
- ASHA, Aided Language Input/Stimulation practice guidance: Communication partners modeling use of the AAC device (aided language input) is essential to building child understanding and use of the device
- Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP): State AT programs funded under the Assistive Technology Act provide device lending libraries allowing families to trial AAC and assistive technology before purchase
- American Academy of Pediatrics, AAC and communication supports guidance: Pediatricians should refer children with communication delays for AAC evaluation; AAP supports early communication intervention including AAC for eligible children
- Light, J., & McNaughton, D. (2015). Designing AAC research and intervention to improve outcomes for individuals with complex communication needs. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 31(2), 85-96.: AAC intervention outcomes improve when systems are matched to individuals' access capabilities and communication goals; multimodal approaches are supported by the evidence base