Celebrate Communication Milestones
Communication progress can appear in many different forms. Notice the moments when your child finds a way to make their message clearer, even if it is not the method you expected.
Every Step Counts
A communication milestone might be:
- pointing to something they want
- using a new gesture or sign
- making a meaningful sound
- using a spoken word
- leading you to something they need
- selecting a word on VOIS
- using VOIS independently for the first time
Respond Positively Without Turning It Into Performance
When your child communicates something meaningful, respond to the message. You do not need to immediately ask them to repeat it several times or demonstrate it for someone else.
Progress looks different from child to child. The important part is that your child is discovering ways to be understood.
Celebrate the communication, not just the method.