Back to Basics: Communication

When many people hear the word communication, they immediately think about talking.

While spoken language is one form of communication, it's only one piece of a much bigger picture.

Communication is how we share our thoughts, needs, wants, feelings, ideas, and experiences with the people around us. Every child communicates in some way, even if it doesn't look the way someone else expects.

Some children use spoken words. Others may point, gesture, make eye contact, use facial expressions, sign, exchange pictures, use an AAC device, or combine several different methods throughout the day.

Every child deserves a way to communicate that allows them to express their wants, needs, thoughts, and feelings. Our role is to encourage and support that growth, whatever form it may take.

Sometimes the best place to start is by simply noticing how your child already communicates. When we slow down and observe, we often begin to recognize patterns we may have overlooked.

Does your child bring you a favorite toy when they want to play?

Do they lead you by the hand when they need something?

Do they smile, laugh, or flap their hands when they're excited?

Do they turn away, cover their ears, or become quiet when they're overwhelmed?

These are all forms of communication.

The more we understand how our children communicate, the better we can respond to their needs, celebrate their successes, and support their continued growth.

Communication doesn't only happen during therapy sessions or structured activities. It develops throughout everyday life.

Reading a favorite book together.

Playing with blocks.

Preparing dinner.

Taking a walk.

Singing songs in the car.

Talking about your day.

Even waiting in line at the grocery store can become an opportunity to practice communication.

Those small moments may not seem significant, but over time they build confidence, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful learning opportunities.

Progress doesn't always happen through long conversations or formal lessons. More often, it happens one interaction at a time.

Every interaction is an opportunity to better understand one another.

Communication is a broad topic, and we've only scratched the surface.

Throughout this Back to Basic series, we'll take a practical, back-to-basics approach to autism support by exploring different forms of communication, everyday strategies, and simple ideas you can begin using at home. We'll also talk about topics like gestures, visual supports, AAC, speech, play, social communication, and more.

My hope is that this series helps simplify information that can sometimes feel overwhelming and gives you a practical place to begin.

Stay tuned—there's much more to come.

Here's a practical place to begin.

Choose one day this week to simply observe.

Notice how your child lets you know they want something, need help, feel excited, become frustrated, or seek your attention.

Write down a few things you notice.

You may discover that your child is communicating in more ways than you realized.

Every child has something to say.

Sometimes we just have to learn how they're saying it.

Learn • Observe • Support • Personalize • Collaborate • Stay Open-Minded

Back to Basics

Taking complex topics and breaking them into simple, practical steps for families.