Encouraging Speech Development at Home

1. Increase your expectations for verbal communication. If your child’s current communication system is working for him, he has no motivation to change his means of communication. For example, if your child successfully obtains desired items by pointing, there is little motivation for him to use verbal means of communication as his pointing was successful. Begin to expect your child to try to imitate a word while pointing or signing to obtain the desired item.


2. If your child enjoys familiar songs or stories, leave out key words or phrases and wait to see if your child will try to fill in the blanks. If waiting does not elicit a response, try to have the child imitate the word or phrase before continuing. The reward for verbal communication in this exercise is continuing the song or story.


3. Give your child choices throughout the day. If your child wants a snack give him a choice. E.g. “Do you want apple or cheese?” to encourage a verbal response that is not limited to yes or no.


4. Create scripts for familiar routines at home that create opportunities for lots of repetition and gradually encourage your child to join in. Sometimes using melody or rhythm creates more interest for the child.
   
   E.g. Bath time
   
   “water on”
   “water off”
   “wash hair”
   “wash hands”
   “bubbles please”
   “boat please”
   “all done”