Chair-pushing v Communication!

If you are considering teaching communication to children with special needs, it is important to first look at the relationship we have with the child. With both verbal and non-verbal behaviour in mind, answer these questions:
How often do you organise or give your child something you know they want or like, without them having to make an attempt to communicate?
Do you leave your child to help themselves - is everything they need readily available to them?

Yes, it avoids a melt-down, frustration and can keep a little peace at home, but does anticipating their needs teach communication? Not really.
So how can you teach every day language, such as 'mands' and requests without causing too much stress??

1) Decide 'today's the day' - a change in your own behaviour requires prep. Pick a day to go for it.

2) Choose a small range of favoured items, food, drink, toys and create PECS for these. If your child is verbal, make sure they can label the items you choose.

3) Organise how you display these items - playdough cutters and no play dough, garage without cars, cup with no juice etc. (it is important to leave them out, as many children will not look for a drink or toy if they haven't seen a cup or the garage).

If you keep a basket with the required items, and have a picture or the word for the things they want, teach your child if they give you a picture, they get the item straight away.
Depending on your child's understanding, it may take a few days to teach, but stick with it. If they can push a chair across the kitchen floor, climb onto the worktop, open a press and take out a biscuit, you can be fairly sure they can master picture exchange!!
Remeber to say the word as you get the picture card and again when you give the item, this will help with labelling skills.

Have fun and persist! Any ideas?
For more ideas, go to: www.hometrain.ie
Claire.