Early years: difficulties with language and social communication and difficulties with communication

Strategies and approaches:

Use the child’s name first to draw their attention, followed by key word instructions e.g. “Jamie … stop.”
Consider booking attention building training delivered by the Speech and Language Setting Support (SALSS) team.
Give clear simple instructions (avoiding idioms).
Use objects of reference to support routine.
Use literal language (avoiding sarcasm and figures of speech).
Use a symbol communication system such as Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) if recommended by a specialist who has also provided training to enable practitioners to implement the system correctly.
Be aware of you own body language: 93% of what we communicate is non-verbal, 7% is communicated through spoken word, 38% through tone of voice, and 55% through body language.

an appropriate tone of voice (calm, not too loud).
an appropriate environment (noise, temperature, lighting, layout).
use of language (some children may need a language rich environment; others may need it to be kept simple).

Last updated 1 November 2022