Communication skills for kids with special needs
Not all kids develop language and other communication techniques at the same time or the same rate. Some may face barriers related to learning or processing information, others might need extra help with the motor skills to produce the actions of communicating. Still others face sensory challenges.
For a child in school, it’s hard enough just learning how to fit in without the added burden of a communication deficit. As an adult in that child’s life, you can help them develop stronger communication skills. Think of it as a form of exercise, with you in the role of coach. To get in touch with your inner Anne Sullivan (the teacher credited with helping Helen Keller learn to communicate), try these strategies:
Ask what they think. Make a habit of asking the child’s opinion throughout the day––on minor decisions you make together, on dinner plans, on mundane experiences you share. Added bonus: try not to reveal your opinion first, so the child won’t feel the need to agree. Instead, make a neutral observation and ask. “I’m not sure what to make of that—what do you think?”
Converse more. Talk about the weather, about what you’re cooking together, where you’re headed in the car or while watching TV. Model new words and concepts and encourage the child to respond. To avoid one-word answers, ask open-ended questions.
Do some honest role-play scenarios. Just for fun, take turns donning the identity of another person—a teacher, a friend, even a hypothetical stranger—as long as it relates to the child’s real-world experience. Role-playing gives you insights into the child’s attitude toward people and events, and a chance to rehearse ways of expressing thoughts and emotions risk-free.
Read with, not to. Whether you’re reading a novel or a newspaper together, it’s a perfect opportunity to engage with a child. But instead of soaking up words as you might when reading by yourself, pause frequently and ask for reactions––discuss or take turns reading out loud.
Reflect what you learn. By re-stating and expanding on what the child tells you, you can model a practical skill for any conversationalist. This technique helps establish if your inferences are correct, and it demonstrates how the child can use it in their own conversations at school.
Review the day. Ask the child how their day is going, along with detail-seeking follow-up questions. Not as an interrogator but more as a genuinely interested party with a sincere desire to know. Show plenty of empathy. Your goal is to draw the child out, encourage them to express themself. These conversations lend themselves to sharing, so tell the child about your own day, too—in a way that encourages lots of back-and-forth.
Explain body language. Some kids, especially on the spectrum, have trouble understanding and using the nonverbal cues that others seem to know instinctively. So walk them through the meaning whenever you can. There’s nothing patronizing about saying “I have my arms folded like this because I didn’t agree with what you said.” Since most of us learn body language by example and context, a full explanation of a gesture’s intended meaning may feel odd to you at first. But it can be helpful for the child. Encourage them to practice.
Communication is all about engagement, especially with kids working through issues that get in the way. By providing constant opportunities to practice the skills of communicating, whether they’re physical, cognitive or both, you can do a tremendous service that lasts a lifetime. For more information about Hope Haven, or to arrange a tour, call us at 904.346.5100.