Communication

Supporting your child’s communication

Communication is about much more than talking.

Children can communicate in lots of different ways. Your child might use speech, sounds, facial expressions, gestures, signs, pictures, symbols, a communication board or a device.

They may also use different ways to communicate at different times.

Finding what works for your child can help them share what they want and need, make choices and take part in everyday life.

How can I support my child?

There is no single way to communicate that works for every child.

A good place to start is by noticing how your child already communicates.

They might:

• point or reach towards something 
• use facial expressions or body movements 
• make sounds 
• use words or signs 
• show you a picture or object 
• lead you towards something 
• use symbols or a communication board 
• type or use a communication app

These are all ways of communicating.  

You can help by giving your child time to respond and paying attention to the different ways they tell you something.

Make communication easier

Small changes to the way we communicate can sometimes make a big difference.

Give your child time

Some children need more time to understand a question and think about their answer.

Try asking your question and then waiting. Avoid asking it again straight away or adding more information while your child is thinking.

Keep language simple

Short, clear sentences can make information easier to understand.

Try giving one piece of information at a time. You can also use a gesture, picture or object alongside your words.

Offer clear choices

Giving choices can create more opportunities for your child to communicate.

Instead of asking an open question, you could offer two options.

For example, you could show your child an apple and a banana and let them tell you their choice by speaking, pointing, looking, signing or reaching.

Use gestures and signs

Gestures can support the words you use.  

This could be something simple such as pointing, waving, nodding or showing an action with your hands.  

Some children may also use a signing system to support their communication.

What is AAC?

AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

It describes different ways of communicating that can support or be used instead of speech.

AAC does not always mean an electronic device. It can include:

• pictures and symbols 
• communication cards 
• communication boards or books 
• signing and gestures 
• typing 
• apps and electronic communication devices

Some children use AAC all the time. Others may use it alongside speech or at times when communicating with speech is more difficult. 

Finding the right AAC for a child can take time. If your child has more complex communication needs, it can be helpful to get advice from a speech and language therapist or specialist AAC service.

Try free communication tools

AAC technology can sometimes be expensive, but there are free tools you can explore.

Twinkl Symbols

Twinkl Symbols can help children communicate using pictures and symbols.

You can use it to create communication boards and other personalised resources. The mobile app includes features such as symbols, your own photos and text-to-speech.

Twinkl also has resources to help parents and carers understand how symbols can be used at home and when out and about.

Explore Twinkl Symbols Try the free Twinkl Symbols taster pack

Weave Chat AAC

Weave Chat AAC is a free communication app for phones and tablets.

It has thousands of words and symbols that your child can use to build a message. You can also add your own words and pictures and change the communication board to suit your child.

The AAC app is free to use on Apple, Android and Amazon Fire devices.

Explore Weave Chat AAC

Fiducia Talk

Fiducia Talk is a free UK communication tool that works on phones, tablets and computers.

It includes a board with more than 300 symbol cards. Children who can type or are learning to spell can also use its keyboards to build their own words.

There is no account or subscription needed to use it.

Explore Fiducia Talk

Getting more help with communication

You do not have to work out the right communication support on your own.

If your child has more complex communication needs, a speech and language therapist can help you explore different ways to support them.

If you think your child may benefit from AAC, Communication Matters has information about AAC assessments and how to find support across the UK.

An assessment looks at how your child communicates, the support they already use and the different tools or technology that may help them.

Find out about AAC assessments and support