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Get connected first
Before giving an important direction, reduce competing distractions and make sure your child is oriented to you or the task.
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Family resource · Communication
Make communication easier to understand and easier to use.
Communication grows when children have clear opportunities to understand, respond, and be heard. Small changes in how adults speak, wait, and respond can make everyday interactions more successful.
Practical guidance
Build more successful communication moments into the day.
Communication may include speech, gestures, pictures, devices, signs, or behavior. The most useful approach is the one that matches your child’s current skills and support plan.
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Say less, more clearly
Use direct language and break multi-step directions into smaller parts when a long explanation would be harder to process.
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Create reasons to communicate
Offer choices, pause during familiar routines, and arrange simple opportunities for your child to request, reject, comment, or ask for help.
Put it into practice
Practice one communication habit at a time.
Consistency matters more than trying every strategy at once. Pick one interaction and repeat the same supportive pattern.
Important
If your child uses an AAC system or another communication support, follow the recommendations of the qualified professionals who know the system and your child’s communication plan.
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Choose a predictable routine
Meals, getting dressed, play, and leaving the house are often good places to begin.
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Pause before helping
Give a brief opportunity for your child to communicate before anticipating every need.
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Respond to the attempt
Acknowledge communication and help your child reach the intended outcome when appropriate.
Next step
Looking for communication support tailored to your child?
Tell us what communication challenges you are seeing and we will help you understand the next step.