PDFThese strategies are helpful to all children but are particularly helpful for those with limited verbal skills.
Support communication
Provide an outlet for young children to express their wants and needs in these areas:
- Demonstrating feelings/emotions
- Requesting
- Rejecting/refusing
Providing an outlet for expression helps prevent challenging behavior.
Build routines
Help children understand daily expectations and happenings. Routines provide predictability and a sense of security.
Knowing what to expect helps children make appropriate decisions with confidence.
Offer visual supports
Children with limited verbal skills need other ways to communicate. Communication strategies include:
- Pictures
- Communication boards
- Communication devices
- Sign language
Alternate forms of communication allow children to express their ideas by pointing to images and using gestures.
Provide schedules
Visual schedules help children make sense of their day. Post them in common spaces and use them to:
- Promote awareness of activities and routines
- Alert children to upcoming changes
Knowing what to expect reduces anxiety and allows children to prepare for upcoming events.