Speech Therapy for Kids – Social communication

Social communication is an umbrella term for a group of skills when combined help us to connect and interact with others. Some of these skills fall under the term of prelinguistic, the things children need to develop before they use words. Examples of these skills include noticing others, being aware of the space and world around them, eye contact, and joint attention. These skills develop between birth and around 18 months old. They are the foundations for skills acquired further up the communication tower such as understanding and talking.

Laura Mize, a Speech Pathologist based in the USA, has some great information on her website outlining the 11 prelinguistic skills for language https://teachmetotalk.com

To support your child’s social interaction and communication try the following;

• Start with their interests. Find activities your child likes and enjoys and get involved.

• Try to find social games like peek-a-boo or sing nursery rhymes as opposed to using tablet devices.

• Be the funniest thing in the room. Use animated expressions and a fun voice to motivate your child to get involved.

• Copy what your child likes to do with toys (if it is safe to do so).

• Keep play going for as long as your child is interested. Keep language simple and repeat the same actions and routines.

• Potential activities include blowing bubbles, building towers, singing nursery rhymes with actions, and playing musical instruments.

I hope you have found this blog helpful. If you have any concerns about your child’s communication skills, please do not hesitate to contact me. Please click on the link below to arrange a free 15-minute telephone consultation.