One of the deficits in autism is difficulty in communication. 40% of kids with autism are non-verbal even
though they may have average or above average intelligence. Communication is multi-modal. This means speech is not the only way we communicate. We communicate with signs, gestures, pointing, leading someone to the thing we want, reaching out for things, or communicating with speech generating high tech AAC devices.
It is very important, when you have a child with Autism who has a speech delay, to set up a
communication system as soon as possible. This will help them communicate their wants and
needs in order to decrease their anxiety and frustration and challenging behaviors, which can occur
daily due to their inability to communicate.
How to Use Picture Cards at home
We help our child to communicate at home with the help of picture communication cards. Luckily, these
days everyone has a smart phone. Start taking pictures of all of your child’s favorite things. Their
favorite food, toys, clothes, places they like to go. Than print these cards, laminate it and put in a
binder which will be easily accessible for your child. Teach your child to start requesting for things they
want using these picture cards.
You can find a picture home schedule from Simply Special Ed, here.
More Tips for Using Picture Cards at home
Each time your child requests something teach them to give you the picture card and immediately give
them the item they requested so your child can understand the relation of using picture cards to get
things they want. Create multiple opportunities throughout the day for your child to practice this.
The next thing you need to remember as a parent do not give everything your child needs or wants
readily to your child. Then there is no reason for them to communicate. Let them make an attempt to
communicate with you. Keep their favorite things like their favorite toys or snacks in clear plastic bins
in their clear view but out of reach so they will have to communicate with you to get those things ,they
might point to them or hand lead you to them or use the word or give you a picture card. But always make sure you honor all their communication attempts.
Here’s an Example:
During snack time do not give them a whole bowl of their favourite snack but give them little at a time so
you will have multiple opportunities during snack time to work on their communication skills.
Using AAC
The next thing you can do is to introduce your child to AAC. AAC is Augmentative or Alternative
communication. There are no pre-requisite skills for a child to start using AAC. It can be introduced at any age, even as young as two. In the beginning you have to show your child how to use their AAC and
communicate with them in their language which is AAC. You will be your child’s communication partner
and you will have to model for your child using their AAC without any expectation of your child to start
using it immediately. This is called Aided Language Input. (Learn more about this here!)
There are many AAC apps available. Always consult a speech language pathologist who
specializes in AAC to conduct an assessment on your child so they can suggest the right app for your
child. These apps are expensive, so make sure you consult a Speech therapist before you invest in one.
There are low tech core boards which are available for free online. This is a great tool to use with your
child at home.
Make it Fun
Try to play games with your child as they are a great way to build communication skills with your
child with Autism. Your child will have to communicate with you to continue playing the game. Accept all
forms of communication from your child and keep the games going so they can have fun as well.
Use Simple Language
Use simple language with your child. You can also teach them some basic signs like all done, more, eat,
or drink as these might also help them to communicate.
I hope you find these strategies useful as these are all the strategies i used with my own non-verbal son
on the spectrum who communicates with AAC. These strategies are simple and you can start using them
today to help develop communication skills in your child.
Learn more about AAC at school here.
Meet Guest Blogger, Vidya Banerjee!
Vidya is a mom to a teenage son on the spectrum who is nonverbal and uses AAC to communicate. She went back to school after her son’s diagnosis and received an Autism Graduation Certificate. She is very passionate about helping fellow autism parents help their children on the spectrum without overwhelm. You can visit Vidya’s blog at AutismFamilyStory.com where she is helping Autism parents around the world with tips and strategies she has learned along the way. Vidya is also the host of the Autismfamilystory podcast which is available on all podcast platforms and has around 100+ episodes on all topics which can help fellow autism parents.
Follow Vidya on Instagram at @autismfamilystory to learn tips and strategies to help your own kids or students.
Listen to Autismfamilystory podcast on all podcast platforms.
Thank you Vidya for blogging for Simply Special Ed!
