Early communication
We all know how exciting it is to see a baby's first words. However communication starts long before this. A child's early communication is very important in determining what follows.
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Communication development
The following information was adapted from the YAACK website.
Disclaimer: This information is for general use and you should talk to the relevant therapist before using it with a particular child. See disclaimer details.
Pre-intentional communication
Babies all start out not actually meaning to communicate but adults ‘read’ their actions as meaning something. For example, a child cries and the parent says they are hungry, but in the beginning a child would cry even if an adult is not there. This type of communication is called unintentional (unplanned, accidental).
Intentional communication
Later, children learn to become intentional (deliberate) communicators after people react to their actions as if they had meaning. They realise that their actions have an affect on others. For example, a baby bangs his cup in his highchair tray because he knows his mum will give him another drink.
Some children do not make the ‘step’ to deliberate communication automatically and need to be provided with opportunities to practise early communication skills.
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What can be done to encourage early communication?
The earliest things children usually learn to communicate are related to making choices. This happens when they:
- ‘ask’ for things
- try to get an adult’s attention
- refuse things.
These things allow the child to have power over their world. They are often worked on first because they are easier to teach and are motivating to the child. Speech pathologists can provide suggestions about how to teach the child to do these things.
For more details, go to the YAACK website.
Specific communication skills
The following link provides information about early communication skills and how parents can encourage children to develop them. It is brief and general. For more specific information about your child’s communication, speak to your speech pathologist. View the factsheet 
Early Communication Ideas (PDF - 45Kb)
The Hanen Parent Program is a training course for parents that goes into these ideas in much more detail and helps parents to relate them to their own child. View the factsheet Hanen Parent Program Information Sheet (PDF - 38Kb)
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Other ideas to encourage good communication development
The factsheet Ideas To Encourage Communication Development (PDF - 41Kb) is a set of ideas for families to follow to ensure that they are providing lots of opportunities for their child to communicate. Note: These ideas are general ideas only and more specific methods may be required for particular children.
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What can a speech pathologist do to help?
Advice
Speech Pathologists look carefully at each child’s communication skills. They give advice about how parents can encourage development of particular communication skills.
Demonstration
A speech pathologist may arrange times to come to the family home as part of the child's early intervention program. This may involve demonstration during a therapy session while talking to parents and giving them ideas about what they could try with their child and providing written information.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
A speech pathologist may suggest introducing signing to help the child to develop communication. AAC may be suggested.
Education
Novita speech pathologists are able to provide training and education for families and other people who work with children who have disabilities. This may relate to a particular area of communication, or it may be a training course that is held regularly by Novita.
The speech pathologist may recommend that parents and other significant adults attend a Hanen Workshop. View the factsheet Hanen Parent Program Information Sheet (PDF - 38Kb)
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Further information
Click on the links below for information on the following topics:
View the factsheet Helping your baby talk (PDF - 50Kb) from the Speech Pathology Australia website.
Book:
Pepper, J & Weitzman, E (2002) It takes two to Talk: A practical guide for parents of children with Language Delays.The Hanen Centre, Canada.
The above book can be found in the Novita Toy & Resource Centre. If you are registered with the Centre, you can borrow it by completing the on-line request form.
Disclaimer Detail: The above information on is of a general nature only and does not constitute advice. Novita Children's Services makes no representations, express or implied, as to the accuracy, usefulness, suitability or application of the information to a child's particular circumstances. Use of the information above is at your sole risk, and you should seek professional advice before acting or relying on the information. Novita Children's Services accepts no liability for any damages or loss that may arise from the use of, or any omission from, the information provided.
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