06/14/2026
Try the "Pause and Wait" Strategy!
One of the simplest ways to encourage communication is to pause and wait.
When your child wants a snack, toy, or turn during play, resist the urge to immediately jump in. Instead, pause for a few seconds and give them an opportunity to communicate.
For example:
🍎 Instead of immediately handing over the apple slices, hold them up and wait.
🧸 Instead of starting the bubbles right away, hold the bubble wand and pause.
Those few extra seconds can encourage children to use words, gestures, signs, or AAC to communicate their wants and needs.
✨ Communication grows when children have opportunities to take a turn in the conversation.
Try it this week and let us know how it goes!