What is communication?
Communication is the foundation for how we share information and socialise with others. We use communication every single day for a variety of reasons. For example, to request, to refuse, to connect and socialise, and the list goes on! Communication is more than just words. So your child may not yet be saying any words however they will be communicating to you through actions.
Spending time looking at how your child communicates will help you to develop an understanding of their current strengths and then how to build on these step by step.
Communication also includes;
• Looking and gazing
• Crying
• Using gesture
• Pointing
• Changing their facial expression
• Using body language
• Making noises
• Moving
• Talking
• Changing their tone of voice
• Reaching
• Touching
Why does your child communicate?
It is important to then look at why they're communicating which will give you an idea of the purpose of their communication.
There are many reasons why your child may communicate using the above e.g.
• Because they are hungry or tired
• Because they are happy
• To respond to something interesting
• To refuse something
• To get attention
• To request something
• To show something interesting
• To greet or say goodbye
• To comment
• To ask questions
• To demonstrate feelings
Enjoy spending some time looking at how and why your child is currently communicating.