Communication

My case study child is developmentally delayed -(speech delay). Last year John only knew 4-5 words. This year John can label objects. John is starting to put sentences together but they consist of only 1-3 words. John tends to point to what he wants. When John points to something I try to initiate conversation. I do not allow myself nor my assistants to respond off of John pointing at objects. The three communication strategies that I feel are the best interventions for John are Manding, Commenting, and expanding. I think it is important that I as well as others ask John questions beyond just simple questions asking for a yes or no answer. John needs to learn how to respond with words not just yes or no. I think asking only yes and no questions inhibits his speech. I also believe that commenting is a strategy that works well for John. While talking with John, I try to talk about what he is doing. If John is playing with blocks I will talk about the color of blocks he is usin, the number of blocks he is using, etc. I think it is important for John to recognize that they are not just blocks they are red, green, blue, and yellow blocks. I also expand on what John says. If John says ball, I will try to say, Yes John, you have a big blue ball. If John says "thirsty" I say, "John are you thirsty? would you like some water? I feel like any added vocabulary can only benefit him. I make sure that I do not overwhelm him with wordy sentences. It is important to keep it basic but yet expand.



Reference:
Cook, Ruth E., Klein M. Diane, & Tessier, Annette. (2008). Adapting Early Childhood Curricula for Children with Special Needs (7th Edition). Columbus, OH: Pearson Prentice Hall.