In a world where everything seems set up for those who communicate using the spoken word, it can seem daunting when the child you care for cannot communicate this way.
There are lots of reasons why a child may be mute or nonverbal. However, every child is unique, with their own distinct personality, dreams and desires, and every non-verbal child can express themselves in their own way. There are also plenty of ways to support them in doing just that. Here are some creative strategies that might be helpful to try:
Non-verbal cues are incredibly powerful, with up to 93% of communication believed to be in non-verbal form and just as effective as speech in conveying information.
You can encourage a child who is non-verbal to use their gestures, facial expressions, sounds and body language to express their needs, feelings, and desires. For example, you could try repeating the sounds or gestures they use in certain situations. They might squeal with delight at a favourite toy, for example, or grimace when faced with certain foods.
By reflecting back to a child what you have seen or heard them do, you show them that they have been understood, reinforcing their confidence and pride as successful communicators.
Visual aids such as picture boards and flashcards are excellent resources for children who are mute or non-verbal. Choices around food or activities can be made easier if there are pictures to point to or a Yes or No card to choose. A child who is non-verbal can also communicate how they are feeling by pointing to a certain symbol or simple word. You can buy these visual aids or create them together by photographing and drawing them. This can be a fun learning activity and personalises the resources for the child you care for.
Many children who are non-verbal and their carers use sign language to communicate successfully with one another. Makaton is a simple sign language system that supports the development of communication. It can be a great way for many children who are non-verbal to strengthen their attention, listening and comprehension skills.
Certain augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) apps can transform your mobile phone or tablet into a handy communication device, providing children who are non-verbal with a fantastic means of expressing themselves.
We all need to see and hear language being used before beginning to use it ourselves, so being out and about in places where everyday conversation and activities are taking place is key. Trips to the shops or having a snack in a cafe provide children who are non-verbal with opportunities to hear phrases and see forms of non-verbal communication naturally modelled by others. Playing with friends and siblings also offers a child who is non-verbal the chance to enjoy themselves whilst learning how to negotiate, collaborate and share.
Some children who are non-verbal love to dance or play music to express their feelings; others tell stories through painting, clay modelling or taking photographs. Singing and humming can be a wonderful way for a child who is non-verbal to express themselves, as can playing with puppets or pets. Different textures can be inspiring too, and playing with sand, bubbles and water can all be fun sensory activities for children who are non-verbal to enjoy.
You can make it easier for the child you are caring for to communicate with new people by creating a way to share basic information right from the start. Some people use a one-page document that covers simple introductions and explanations. This might include how the child prefers to communicate, their personal likes and dislikes, and certain helpful strategies.
Other ideas include creating a mini-album, small enough to clip onto a key chain or backpack. This might contain simple phrases and feeling statements that a child who is non-verbal can flip through and use to communicate in different situations.
Encouraging your child to develop their own personal skills and talents and creating opportunities for them to share their achievements with others can be hugely beneficial. This is great for their confidence, helping them to feel more independent and valued exactly as they are. Caring for a child when they are mute or non-verbal may be challenging at times, and remembering to celebrate even the smallest wins along the way provides an important boost for everyone.
Communication is all about sharing and receiving information so we can understand one another. As carers of a child who is non-verbal, the challenge is to discover and experiment with strategies that feel most encouraging and appropriate as you support them to communicate and thrive in their own unique way.
We want to hear from you about your experiences and the strategies that have proved useful in your journey of helping a child to communicate when they are mute or non-verbal. You can share your experiences in our Facebook community.