Create motivation for your child to make requests by placing items they will want in a visible but out of reach place, such as up high or in a clear but hard to open container. Respond to any attempt at communication (looking at you and reaching, hand-leading, sounds or words) and model a single word such as "help!"

Be silly! Some kids love it when adults do something out of the ordinary or make a "mistake". Try giving your child a fork to eat their cereal with (or forget the utensils altogether). When you're playing together, put a block on your head instead of on the tower. Playfully sabotaging the activity gives your child a chance to make a comment (e.g. "uh oh!") or request the proper tool.

Children often take longer to process information and figure out what to do next. "Fill in the blank" is a great strategy to help your child know when and how to communicate. Start with a verbal routine that they know, something like "Ready, set, go" or a familiar song like "Ring Around the Rosie". This time, stop at the "high point", and WAIT for your child to finish it. E.g. "Ready, set..(go)." or "we all fall...(down)." Count slowly to 5 in your head while you wait for your child's response. If your child is not yet using words, watch for them to look at you and make a gesture, e.g. starting to fall down, then say the word and continue. If they don't respond, model the word/action and try again!

Remember to:

• Be face to face

• Use wait time/pausing to give your child a chance to communicate

• Take your time

• Be responsive

• Do not overuse communication temptations as a strategy, as it can become frustrating for both you and the child

Now, set it up:

1. After you have created the situation in which you want your child to communicate, first model what you want them to do.

2. Set up the situation again. Wait and see if they initiate communication with you. If they do not, model again.

3. Repeat!