Communication
If your child is non-verbal, communication is different for them. Here are ways we can communicate with them and they can learn to communicate their wants and needs more effectively.
Learning and teaching your child different ways of communication, decreases frustration when your child is trying to communicate with you and increases their social, learning and language skills.
Sign language
Use basic ASL signs to communicate with your child. Teach your child the signs while they are communicating with you. Always produce the utterance and sound with the sign to encourage verbal expression. After your child attempts the sign and/or utterance, respond immediately.
Signs to start with
All done- use this sign when your child is finished eating, they complete a task, they are done playing with a toy, you are moving on to a different activity, or when you are done reading a book.
More- use more when your child is requesting anything. Once your child is familiar with the sign ‘more’ you can also add ‘please’.
Help- teach your child the help sign and use it when they are in need of something
Stop- use this sign when you want your child to stop doing something or they want something to stop.
Body Language
Use exaggerated and expressive body language when you are communicating with your child. Show facial expressions on how you are feeling to help your child identify your emotion. Showing examples of how a feeling looks will allow your child to learn and imitate those expressions.
Talk, Talk, Talk
Continue to talk to your child about their surrounding world and what is occurring around them. Even though your child may be non-verbal, they are still learning. Expressing yourself and talking will encourage your child to communicate with you.
Take time
When your child is communicating with you, take time to understand, look at them, and respond. Encourage your child to attempt communication prior to rewarding them with their wants and needs. You can encourage your child’s communication by showing them.