Communication Strategies:
Created by Jenn Magly

Initiating Communication/Requesting

The main goal is for your child to be able to communicate what they want and need when within and outside the home with a variety of people. This skill is called generalization. Teachers, parents and caregivers need to teach a form of communication to the children that they can take to other locations and still be acknowledged and understood. Many parents know instinctively what their child wants – this is an excellent advantage! Use your knowledge of what your child wants to encourage communication!

• In the school setting we use pictures, objects and icons to increase language development in every aspect of the children’s daily routine. During snack we provide picture choices and encourage the students to initiate communication by handing us the picture of the corresponding snack. We administer the desired snack a few pieces at a time to allow the child to repeat the communication process. We also integrate pictures in to choice situations – the child has the opportunity to pick a song of their choice or a book. This strategy is also used with activities – play with cars or doll.
  

• A way to incorporate this type of communication at home is to use digital camera photographs for preferred items for your child. Give your child choices and encourage them to initiate communication with you by bringing you the picture of the desired object/item or activity. Always pair the photographs with the verbal label for the object activity and make it reinforcing for the child to communicate with you. Try not to discourage communication with the words, “no” or that is not it…Try to encourage and redirect your child’s language.