When a child has autism, their communication journey may look different, but that does not mean it can’t be meaningful, connected, and joyful. As a parent or caregiver, you are your child’s first and most important communication partner. This article will guide you in supporting communication development across different levels—from emerging communicators to verbal children working on social language—offering concrete examples, step-by-step strategies, and easy-to-use scripts to build connection and confidence.

Understanding Communication in Autism

Children with autism often communicate in unique ways. Some may use gestures, sounds, or pictures instead of words. Others may speak in full sentences, but struggle with back-and-forth conversation or understanding social cues. Communication involves more than just talking. Tt includes understanding, expressing needs, connecting with others, and participating in shared experiences.

Every child’s journey is different. What matters most is meeting them where they are and helping them take the next step forward.

Early or Emerging Communicators

These children may use few or no words. They might communicate by pointing, taking your hand to an object, vocalizing, or showing changes in behavior when they want or need something.

Goals at this level:

Build intentional communication (understanding that their actions cause a response)
Expand nonverbal communication (gestures, eye gaze, sounds)
Create consistent opportunities to request, reject, and engage

Activities and Scripts:

Use Simple Choices
Giving choices teaches your child that communication leads to something meaningful.

Example: Snack Time
Hold up a cracker and a banana. Say, “Do you want cracker or banana ?” Wait. Watch your child’s eyes, reach, or sounds. As soon as they make a choice, respond with excitement:
Script: “You want the cracker! Yay, cracker time!”

If they do not respond, gently guide their hand or model pointing. You can also use pictures or objects.

Create “Communication Temptations”
Place favorite items out of reach but visible, or give them a closed container they can’t open.

Example: Toy Box with Lid
Child wants the truck but cannot open the box. Wait and watch.
Script: “Oh no! You need help?” Pause. If they reach or look at you, label and respond:
“You said help! Let’s open it!”

Imitate and Expand
If your child babbles, gestures, or makes sounds, copy them and build on it.

Example: Child says “ba” while playing with a ball.
You say: “Ba! Ball! Roll ball!”
This shows them that their sounds have meaning and encourages turn-taking.

Developing Communicators

These children may use single words or short phrases. They might label things or repeat language from others (echolalia), but struggle to initiate or sustain conversations.

Goals at this level:

Encourage spontaneous language
Support functional requests and commenting
Model turn-taking and play-based language

Activities and Scripts:

Use Parallel Talk and Self-Talk
Narrate what your child is doing (parallel talk) or what you’re doing (self-talk).

Example: During Play
“You’re building blocks. Block goes up…up…uh-oh! It fell!”

Turn Routines into Conversations
Use bath time, meals, or getting dressed as chances to talk in a fun way.

Example: Bath Time Script
“Time to wash arms! Wash, wash, wash. Where’s the soap? Oh! Soap is on your belly! Silly soap!”
Pause to let your child fill in a word or action.

Use Visual Supports and Gestures
Pair words with gestures or pictures. This helps your child understand and express more clearly.

Example: Morning Routine Chart
Use pictures to show: Wake up → Brush teeth → Get dressed → Eat breakfast
Point and say each step together.
Script: “Let’s check the chart! What’s next? Oh! Brush teeth!”

Expanding Language and Social Communication

Children at this level may speak in full sentences, but still need help with back-and-forth conversation, staying on topic, understanding others’ perspectives, or using language in social settings.

Goals at this level:

Practice conversational turn-taking
Build flexible thinking and understanding of emotions
Support storytelling, problem-solving, and making connections

Activities and Scripts:

Play “Conversation Catch”
Toss a ball back and forth. Each time someone catches it, they add to a conversation.

Topic: Favorite Food
You: “I like pizza.”
Child catches ball: “I like spaghetti.”
You: “Yum! Do you eat garlic bread with it?”
This models natural conversation and gives time to process.

Use Storybooks for Emotions and Perspective
Read books that explore feelings. Pause to ask questions like:
“What is he feeling?” “Why do you think she is sad?” “What would you do?”

Example Script from The Very Cranky Bear:
“Oh no, Bear is cranky! Look at his face. What might help him feel better?”

Practice Problem Solving with Role Play
Use toys or puppets to act out social situations and model solutions.

Example: Two kids want the same toy.
You: “Oh no, both want the truck. What can we say?”
Child: “My turn!”
You: “Great! Then what?”
Work together on: “Can I have a turn when you’re done?” or “Let’s take turns!”

Tools That Make a Difference: How to Support Communication at Home

Many children with autism benefit from structured tools that help them process language, manage transitions, and engage in communication. Here’s how to use some of the most effective supports—complete with real-life examples and simple implementation tips.

1. Visual Schedules

What they are: A series of pictures (or words + pictures) that show the steps of a daily routine or activity.

Why they help:

Reduce anxiety by making the day predictable
Build independence by teaching “what comes next”
Support transitions between tasks

How to use:
Create a schedule for common routines like mornings, bedtime, or therapy sessions. Start with 3–5 steps and increase as your child grows.

Example: Morning Routine Visual Schedule

Wake up
Go potty
Brush teeth
Get dressed
Eat breakfast

You can use printed images, Velcro boards, or magnetic strips on the fridge.

How to teach it:
Go through each step together every morning. Say, “Let’s check your morning schedule! What’s first? Oh! go potty!” Point to the picture and do the activity together.

Tip: Use a “finished” basket or area to move completed steps. This gives a sense of progress.

2. First-Then Boards

What they are: A simple two-step visual that shows your child what needs to happen first, and what will happen after.

Why they help:

Promote cooperation with non-preferred tasks
Set clear expectations
Support transitions (especially from preferred to less preferred activities)

Example:

First: Clean up toys
Then: Play with iPad

You can use pictures or write the words, depending on your child’s level. Laminate and use Velcro or dry-erase markers to switch activities.

How to teach it:
Present the board and say, “First we clean up, then we get the iPad.” Point as you say each step. If your child resists, gently repeat and guide them through the first task. Immediately follow up with the reward or activity once complete.

Tip: Keep it positive and consistent. If you follow through every time, your child learns to trust the system.

3. Communication Boards or AAC Apps

What they are:

Communication Boards: A grid of symbols or pictures that a child can point to in order to express wants, needs, or ideas.
AAC Apps: High-tech versions of these tools (like Proloquo2Go, TouchChat, or Snap Core First) that speak aloud when your child selects an image.

Why they help:

Give children a voice if they are nonverbal or minimally verbal
Reduce frustration by allowing consistent expression
Teach vocabulary and sentence building

Example: Low-tech Board for Mealtime
A board with pictures of:

Favorite foods (apple, crackers, yogurt)
Action words (eat, want, more, all done)
People (mom, dad)
Simple phrases (I want ___, No thanks)

How to teach it:
Model how to use it! During meals, say “I want apple” while pointing to each picture. Hand-over-hand prompt (If your child is accepting to this) your child to point, then give the apple and cheerfully reinforce: “Yes! You said apple!”

Tip: Start small with highly motivating choices. Model consistently and celebrate communication in any form.

4. Songs and Rhymes

What they are: Simple, repetitive songs or chants that often include hand motions, rhythm, and predictable language.

Why they help:

Support attention and participation
Encourage imitation and joint engagement
Reinforce vocabulary and routines

Example Songs:

Open, Shut Them (fine motor + turn-taking)
Row, Row, Row Your Boat (rhythm + shared attention)
The Wheels on the Bus (actions + sequencing)

How to teach it:
Pick 1–2 songs your child enjoys. Sing them daily during routines like bath time or transitions. Use hand motions and pause before key words to encourage participation.

Example Script:
“Open… shut them… open… shut them… give a little…” pause and wait for your child to say or sign “clap!”
Even a smile, vocalization, or hand movement is worth celebrating.

Tip: Keep it fun and predictable. Use the same song before brushing teeth or at bedtime to build comfort and routine.

5. Social Stories

What they are: Short, personalized stories that explain a situation, behavior, or concept using simple language and visuals.

Why they help:

Prepare children for new experiences or changes
Teach expected behaviors and social rules
Support emotional understanding

Example: Going to the Doctor
Page 1: “Sometimes I go to the doctor.”
Page 2: “The doctor will look in my ears, mouth, and eyes.”
Page 3: “I can sit on the table or mom’s lap.”
Page 4: “When the visit is done, I get a sticker!”
Page 5: “I did a great job!”

How to teach it:
Read the story together several times before the event. Use calm, positive tones. Reinforce key concepts with visuals (photos of the office, staff, tools).

Tip: Make the story specific to your child’s experiences. Use their name, real photos when possible, and keep it short (5–8 pages). There are many editable templates online.

Final Thoughts: Connection Over Perfection

Remember, communication is about connection, not perfection. Whether your child is using signs, sounds, pictures, or full sentences, your support helps them feel heard, understood, and confident. Celebrate all attempts at communication. Be patient, follow their lead, and turn everyday moments into powerful learning opportunities.

And do not forget: you are not alone. Speech-language pathologists are here to help guide your child’s communication journey every step of the way.

Resources for Parents

“More Than Words” by Hanen Centre – a guide for parents of children with autism
AAC Language Lab – tools for supporting children who use AAC
Autism Navigator – videos and parent resources
Do2Learn.com – printable visuals and behavior supports
Speechy Musings, SLP Now, and Teachers Pay Teachers – practical visuals and games

Whether your child is just starting speech therapy or has been receiving services for years, understanding the lingo is the first step in becoming a powerful partner in their progress.

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Disclaimer: This article offers general educational information. It is not a substitute for professional evaluation or treatment. Please consult a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist for personalized concerns regarding your child’s speech development.