Unlocking the world of communication for children who do not speak can be a transformative journey. While words are the most common form of expression, they account for only 7% of our communicative message, according to Mehrabian's communication model. This insight opens up a realm of possibilities for connecting with children who communicate non-verbally. By employing a variety of strategies, parents and caregivers can facilitate meaningful interactions that go beyond spoken language. This article delves into practical methods to help non-verbal children express their needs, share their thoughts, and engage with the world around them.
Non-verbal communication encompasses a wide range of behaviors and signals, including facial expressions, gestures, and body language. It plays a crucial role in how we interact with each other, often conveying more than our words alone. For children who do not use verbal language, understanding and utilizing non-verbal cues is essential for effective communication.
Yes and No Responses: Begin with simple affirmations or negations. This foundational step empowers your child to communicate basic desires and responses to questions. The method can be adapted to the child's abilities, such as using hand signals or eye movements.
Choice Making: Expand beyond binary choices by offering multiple options. This can be facilitated through pointing or using head movements to indicate preferences. Ensure clarity in the choices presented and the child's understanding of them.
Word Labels: For children with mobility and a growing vocabulary, labeling items with large, laminated words can encourage word recognition and proactive communication. Start with favorite items to build a habit of initiating requests.
Touch Screens: Interactive technology like touch screens can provide a sense of control and introduce children to cause-and-effect relationships. This familiarity with technology can ease the transition to more advanced assistive devices.
Request/Schedule Boards: Visual aids such as boards with photographs or drawings can help children communicate their needs and understand daily routines. These boards can be customized and updated to reflect the child's changing preferences.
"Show Me" Technique: Encourage your child to physically indicate their needs. To avoid dependency on physical prompting, integrate this with other strategies, such as using a picture board for future requests.
Augmentative Communication Boards: These devices range in complexity and can enable children to convey a wide array of messages. A speech-language pathologist can assess the child's needs and recommend appropriate devices. Considerations include training, programming, and funding for the technology.
Teaching Typing: Introducing typing, whether on a typewriter or computer, allows for free expression of thoughts. Assistive software can aid slow typists by predicting phrases, saving effort and time.
Comment Cards: Simple index cards with typed comments can facilitate quick communication, especially with unfamiliar individuals. Color-coding can assist in rapid selection of the appropriate message.
Switch Activated Signals: Adaptable switches can trigger lights, sounds, or vibrations to convey messages in group settings. These can be customized to the child's controlled body movements.
Combining various communication methods can address different environments and needs. The goal is to create a system that the child understands and can use independently, that is comfortable for the family and others to use daily, and that is reliable and consistently utilized.
By embracing these strategies, parents and caregivers can open new avenues of communication with their non-verbal children, fostering deeper connections and understanding. Happy communicating!
Copyright 2001, Lisa Simmons
Learn more about Mehrabian's communication model
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