A parent told a PACER advocate, “My child is 4
years old and is not able to talk. What can I do? How can I know what snack he
wants or which friend he wants to play with?”
What tips might
you share with this parent and others who have this concern?
My son is now 22 years old. He does not speak at all. But he does get his point across to us. If he doesn't want something, he will push it away. As far as food choices go, he will go in the cupboard or refrigerator and pick out what he wants to eat. (of course he doesn't always get what he wants) We will often give him two choices and hold out the items (such as food) ...do you want this or this? And let him grab the one he wants. We have tried picture symbols and real pictures over the years, he seems to like the real object or real pictures over the symbols. Hope that helps a little bit!!
ReplyDeleteStart teaching them alternative ways to communicate asap such as sign language or using pictures. There are lot of options with new technology too. In my experience, this will relieve a lot frustration for the child and I believe it helps them to learn to speak faster. Also, get help from specialists. If insurance and expenses are an issue, I believe the School system can help too.
ReplyDeleteMy son will be 4 in a little over a week and we like to use picture boards or have him point to various options. We always make sure to keep things in the same areas of the kitchen and house.
ReplyDeleteWe have picture boards in each room that he can use to find whatever item he wants to draw our attention to. We also have "people" books with pictures and names of people he knows such as family members and friends.
We always make sure to give him applause and cheer him on for making his own choices. It encourages communication and helps us all be less frustrated.