5 Ways to Communicate with Your Non-Verbal Child

5 Ways to Communicate with Your Non-Verbal Child

When your child is non-verbal or has limited expressive language, it can feel overwhelming trying to connect and communicate. But here’s the good news: there are many powerful ways to support your child’s communication development even before words emerge.

Below are five strategies you can use today to build connection, reduce frustration, and support your child’s language journey.

1. Use Hand Gestures and Body Language

Body language is one of our first tools for communication, and it’s especially helpful for non-verbal children. Smiles, frowns, pointing, waving, open arms, and eye contact all help convey messages.

SLP Tip: Exaggerate your facial expressions and gestures during play and daily routines. For example, widen your eyes and say “WOW!” with a big smile when your child shows you something. You’re not only communicating—you’re modeling emotional and social cues your child can learn to use, too!

Learnigo’s Speech in the Social Context program features real-life practice for common gestures, among other social skills.

2. Introduce Flashcards for Non-Verbal Expression

Flashcards aren’t just for vocabulary. They’re a simple, visual tool to help your child express their needs, wants, and feelings. Try using flashcards with pictures of common items (like food, toys, or emotions) to build associations between images and words or meanings.

SLP Tip: Start with categories that are most relevant to your child’s daily life (e.g., favorite snacks or activities). When your child reaches or points to a flashcard, you can respond: “Oh! You want grapes? Let’s go get some grapes!” This shows your child that their effort to communicate is meaningful.

Learnigo’s Understanding Speech program features thousands of opportunities to practice identifying common vocabulary words.

3. Keep Talking, Even if Your Child Isn’t

It might feel counterintuitive to keep using spoken language if your child isn’t speaking back yet. However, using verbal language consistently:

Makes your child feel included
Models correct sentence structure
Builds listening and comprehension skills
Lays the groundwork for speech development

SLP Tip: Talk through what you’re doing (“I’m pouring your milk!”), label your child’s actions (“You’re jumping!”), and describe what they might be feeling (“You look excited!”). Even if they don’t respond with words, they’re absorbing so much more than you think.

Learnigo’s Active Speech program includes hundreds of activities to support children who are using single words and building up to phrases and sentences.

4. Watch for What Captures Their Attention

Children communicate best when they’re engaged. So take note of what makes your child light up, such as books, animals, certain songs, or even a favorite toy character. These “favorites” can become the foundation for learning new words or gestures.

SLP Tip: Use high-interest topics to encourage communication. For example, if your child loves dinosaurs, introduce signs for “more,” “big,” or “fast” while playing together. You’re more likely to get their attention and participation when you tap into their natural interests.

Learnigo features thousands of colorful, child-friendly activities with common interests ranging from vehicles, toys, animals, and more, so your child is bound to discover something new while learning!

5. Explore Sign Language and Visual Supports

Introducing basic sign language can open up new ways for your child to express themselves. Signs like “more,” “all done,” “eat,” and “help” are easy to learn and incredibly useful. Combine signs with spoken words and pictures for extra reinforcement.

SLP Tip: Consistency is key. Choose a few signs and use them frequently during routines. Apps, videos, and picture books can also help you (and your child!) learn these tools together.

Learnigo’s Imitating Speech program is a great tool for children who are using vocalizations and starting to imitate sounds.

You’re Not Alone! Support Is Out There

A speech-language pathologist can provide an accurate diagnosis and potential treatment plan. Early intervention and support are key to your child’s communication.

Watching your child struggle to communicate can be tough, but there are many small, consistent ways you can support their growth at home. With the right tools and encouragement, you’ll start seeing little breakthroughs that make a big difference.

Want to make communication fun? Explore printable flashcards, engaging activities, and communication practice at Learnigo.com.

Let’s keep the conversation going, one smile, one gesture, one word at a time.

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