During treatment or at the end of sessions or assessments, SLPs often give parents recommendations to help facilitate their child’s speech and language development. The tips often differ depending on a specific diagnosis or area of need so make sure to discuss with your own SLP about recommendations specifically for your child. However, these tips are very common and helpful, many of which come from the Hanen program and the Early Start Denver Model.

Reduce/remove distractions (e.g. phone, TV, other people conversing). Try to have distraction free interaction time with your child every day. A common example is to turn off the TV during dinner and engage in a family conversation.
Follow your child’s lead while playing. For example, if your child is playing with blocks, try playing with the blocks too instead of having them switch to playing with trains. Following their lead will increase the likelihood of them attempting to communicate because they will be more interested. Similarly, try to refrain from saying “say” and asking lots of questions as this can discourage communicative attempts. No one likes to be put on the spot.
Be a “sports broadcaster.” Model language surrounding what your child is doing. Make short and simple statements that are easy to understand but at a slightly higher level than your child’s. For example, if your child is looking at a picture of a snowman and says “snowman,” you could respond encouragingly with “a snowman on the hill.”
When your child produces errors in their speech or language, repeat back their statements in a positive tone of voice using correct grammar and articulation. This shows them that you are interested in what they have to say which helps build confidence. It will also help develop their expressive language abilities and remediate their errors in grammar and articulation. You don’t have to say “no” before repeating or ask them “did you mean?” Just repeat it back correctly in an encouraging way. For example, if they say “tat” respond with “cat.”
Match +1 (or 2). Expand what your child says by adding one or two words to what they say. For example, if your child says, “Plays a lot of toys.” You could respond with, “Children play with a lot of toys.”
Engage in people games to encourage the development of social communication abilities. People games involve the child’s attention being directed towards another person rather than on an object/toy. Examples: sing a song, play hide and seek, play peek a boo. This is in contrast to “object games” which centre around an object like a toy.
Repeat words! To learn and produce new words children have to hear them many times. Try to make it natural, pointing out and naming things as you go to keep them interested.
Communication Temptations. Manipulate situations to encourage communication. For example, blow bubbles and then close the bubble container and wait for the child to request more.
Perspective taking can be a challenge for children with autism, as well as for some typically developing children. Ways to develop this skill are explained in the following suggestions:
- When talking with your child, share your opinion and your feelings, especially if they differ from those of your child. For example, if your child wants to move on to a new activity you could say that you would like one more turn first. This can help to remind them that other people have their own schedules, ideas, plans and perspectives.
- During play or daily routines, set up “problems” and allow your child the opportunity to generate solutions. For example, if they want to play in the living room, you could get stuck behind a chair on the way. Ask them for a solution to help you get around the chair, which will require them to take on your perspective.
Keep it natural. This tip is similar to letting your child take the lead, trying to keep from asking them to “say” things, and not being too obvious when you are repeating words. Keeping your interactions with your child as natural as possible will help keep them engaged and interested. This was a long list of tips, but you don’t have to implement them all at once!

Hope you find these tips helpful!

-S

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