8 Tips to help support a non-verbal child

As a parent of a non-verbal child, it’s important to understand that there are various ways you can support your child’s communication skills and overall development. Here are some suggestions:

Seek professional assessment: Consult with a qualified speech-language therapist (SLT) or a developmental paediatrician to assess your child’s communication abilities and provide recommendations tailored to their specific needs. They can help determine if there are any underlying medical or developmental issues that may be impacting your child’s ability to communicate and provide appropriate interventions.

Provide a supportive communication environment: Create an environment that encourages communication. Offer opportunities for your child to communicate in a relaxed and comfortable setting. Minimize distractions, use visual supports such as pictures, symbols, or sign language to aid understanding, and be patient and responsive to your child’s attempts to communicate.

Use alternative communication methods: Explore alternative communication methods such as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, including sign language, picture exchange communication system (PECS), or speech-generating devices (SGDs), depending on your child’s abilities and needs. These tools can provide your child with a means to express themselves even if they are non-verbal.

Foster non-verbal communication: Non-verbal communication can be just as important as verbal communication. Encourage your child to express themselves using gestures, facial expressions, and body language. Respond positively to their non-verbal cues and gestures to reinforce communication attempts.

Encourage social interaction: Create opportunities for your child to engage in social interactions with peers, siblings, or family members. Playtime with peers, structured activities, and social skills training can help your child develop communication skills in a supportive environment.

Incorporate communication into daily routines: Integrate communication into your child’s daily routines, such as during mealtime, bath time, or bedtime. Use these opportunities to model and encourage communication using gestures, signs, or other communication methods.

Provide a rich language environment: Expose your child to a variety of language-rich experiences, such as reading books, singing songs, telling stories, and engaging in conversations. This can help develop their receptive language skills and promote language development.

Seek support: Connect with support groups or organizations that cater to families of non-verbal children, such as parent support groups, online forums, or advocacy organizations. These resources can provide emotional support, practical tips, and strategies to help you navigate the challenges of raising a non-verbal child.

Remember that each child is unique, and progress may vary. Be patient, consistent, and celebrate your child’s progress, no matter how small. Working closely with a qualified professional, providing a supportive communication environment, and incorporating alternative communication methods can greatly help your child’s overall communication development.