One notable indicator of autism in young children is a lack of vocal communication skills. In many cases, delayed or absent speech prompts parents to seek professional guidance to determine whether their child may be on the autism spectrum. It's important to remember that the pace of vocal communication development can vary widely among children. However, the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) provides valuable strategies that can effectively support the enhancement of vocal language skills in young learners. By implementing these evidence-based techniques, parents and caregivers can foster improved communication abilities, paving the way for more meaningful interactions and connections. At Mindcolor Autism, we use ABA principles and these strategies to promote vocal language, with a very intentional focus on vocal verbal behavior. Here are some suggestions parents can implement at home to encourage vocal communication.
Identify items your child is very interested in. The first step in fostering communication skills in your child is to identify their key interests. Take a moment to reflect on the things that truly captivate their attention. This can include a wide range of items—from toys and games to books to food or even certain activities. You might notice your child gravitating toward these objects; perhaps they rush to them when they see them, try to grab them when within reach, or gently guide your hand toward the item. Sometimes, they may even express their desire for these things vocally.
Create a list you can refer back to often. Next, create a comprehensive list of everything your child shows a strong interest in. The more items you can identify, the better equipped you will be to engage them with strategies to help communication. This simple exercise can provide valuable insight into your child's world while also serving as a foundation for encouraging their vocal language development.
Assess the current strength of your child’s vocalizations. You’ve probably already heard your child making sounds, whether it's cheerful babbling, random noises, or even a few words! This is a great sign of their development. Now, we want to see if they can use those sounds to express what they want in the right context. If your little one isn't quite there yet, don’t worry! There are plenty of fun ways to encourage their vocal skills. To start, pick an object from the list you've made. Hold it up to your child and look for any signs of interest, maybe they reach for it, gesture, or show excitement. If they don’t seem interested, try showing them a different item. Once they do express interest, it’s time to gauge their vocal abilities. While holding the object, say its name out loud or make a sound associated with it. For example, if it's a toy car, you might say "ca" or "car." Repeat the sound or word a few times quickly—just a quick burst, so it stays fun and doesn’t overwhelm your child. After that, watch to see if they try to copy you or make any sounds in response. This simple exercise can really help you understand their vocal development and guide you on how to support them!
Decide whether to rely solely on vocal communication or incorporate some non-verbal support. If your child is consistently making sounds or saying words when you ask them to do so in motivating situations like that described above, you might be ready to continue using just vocal language in the next stages. However, if you’re uncertain about their consistency or if their responses fluctuate, it’s a good idea to include a simple gesture to enhance their communication. At this point, you have the option to lean solely on vocalization if their echo is strong, or to blend in some supportive gestures as their vocal skills continue to grow. If you’re not sure, it is safest to add nonverbal support because emphasizing vocalizations only in a child for whom vocals are still developing can easily cause frustration. While some people think that adding a gesture or simple sign delays vocal language, actually the opposite is true! Research shows us that non-verbal support such as gestures or signs can actually greatly facilitate the acquisition of vocalizations, not distract from them.
Choose the first item to help your child learn to make requests. After you've found an item that really captures their interest and decided whether to focus on vocal communication or include gestures, it’s time to teach them how to ask for what they want. Just like in step 3, hold up the item and wait for them to show some interest. This step is crucial—you want to ensure they’re excited about the item and want to ask for it at that moment. If they don’t show interest, try a different item until you find something they’re drawn to. Once they express interest, you'll be ready to guide them in making their request!
Teach them to request. Once your child shows interest by gesturing, pointing, or reaching for an item, gently take their hand and form it into a simple gesture while clearly saying the item’s name, like "Car!" Repeat this a few times. Keep your language straightforward—avoid adding extra phrases like “Good job asking for the car; this is a car.” At this stage, it’s important for your child to make a direct link between the item and its name. Make sure this interaction is brief and relaxed to keep it easy and fun for them. You want to encourage the idea that asking for what they want is simple, and you’re there to guide them! If you’ve chosen to focus solely on vocalization, then skip the gesture and just repeat the name of the item when they show interest. Do not hold out too long for a vocalization, as it may frustrate your child. At this point, you are practicing and modeling, so present the word or sound 3-4 times quickly and still provide it to them whether they say anything or not. If they do attempt to say the word after the first presentation or two, give them the item immediately.
Keep practicing requests with your child multiple times a day. The only limit to how often you can do this teaching process is their interest! Kids naturally express what they want frequently throughout the day, so your goal is to help them communicate those desires effectively. Aim to focus on 2 to 4 items at a time; if you work on just one, they might think that everything they want shares the same name or gesture. However, introducing too many items at once could overwhelm them. If they express a desire for something outside your current focus, simply name the item clearly while handing it to them (for example, say "apple" a few times as you give it to them) and make a note to work on that item in the future.
Focus on specific names. During this teaching process, it’s important to focus on the specific names of items—like "apple," "car," or "airplane” rather than using general terms like "more," "thank you," "please," or "all done." This approach helps expand your child's vocabulary and ensures they learn to request items clearly. Using vague words can limit their ability to communicate effectively and can lead to confusion for those interacting with them—for example, a teacher might wonder, “More of what?” if your child simply gestures for "more" instead of specifying "apple." By concentrating on specific words, you’re helping your child become a more confident and clearer communicator.
Foster independence. As you progress through this process, you’ll likely see your child begin to use the gesture or sound for the word more often and with less prompting from you. When this occurs, start to gradually reduce your assistance and simply provide the item along with enthusiastic praise. If they don’t vocalize immediately, that’s perfectly fine; continue to reinforce their independent gestures and keep presenting the vocalizations along with their nonverbal request. Remember, some children may first develop a nonverbal way of communicating, with vocalizations following later on. Your support and encouragement during this phase are key to their growth!
Introduce new “targets” or items to teach. Once you start to hear the word and/or the gesture multiple times a day over the course of a few weeks and without needing much of your help, you can introduce a new item or two. Continue this process for as many things your child is interested in.
Encouraging vocalizations in young children with autism is a rewarding journey filled with opportunities for growth and connection. By utilizing the evidence-based strategies outlined in this guide, parents can effectively foster communication skills that can transform everyday interactions. From identifying your child's interests to gradually increasing their independence in making requests, each step lays the foundation for improved verbal expression.
Remember, every child's developmental path is unique, and progress may come at different speeds. Celebrate each milestone, no matter how small, and remain flexible in your approach. As you implement these techniques at home, keep in mind that your unwavering support and encouragement are crucial in helping your child find their voice. With patience, persistence, and a focus on their individual needs, you're not only enhancing their communication skills but also enriching your relationship with them.
At Mindcolor Autism, we’re here to help guide our families through this process with their children. By following these steps and staying engaged, you are unlocking a world of possibilities for your child, paving the way for meaningful connections and a brighter future. Interested in learning more about Mindcolor? Check us out, here.
Author: Amber Valentino, Psy.D., BCBA-D
Chief Clinical Officer at Mindcolor Autism