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Different Ways of Communicating & Relating

Children communicate in many ways—through gestures, sounds, words, scripts, AAC, or rich nonverbal cues. Communication differences include how kids share interests, connect with others, and interpret social cues.

This page helps you understand communication styles without focusing on deficits.

    • Prefers gestures, pointing, or leading by the hand

    • Delayed spoken language or uneven language use

    • Echolalia or scripting

    • Difficulty reading social cues or understanding figurative language

    • Strong nonverbal communication (expressive facial expressions, body language)

    • Creativity in how they express themselves

    • Deep interests that fuel communication

    • Strong visual or pattern-based reasoning

    • Honesty and straightforwardness

    • Ability to connect meaningfully once comfortable

    • Follow your child’s lead during play

    • Use visuals or gestures alongside words

    • Model simple language

    • Allow extra processing time

    • Use AAC or picture supports if helpful

    • Validate their communication style (verbal or nonverbal)

Helplful Resources Might Include

  • Basic

    What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.

    Scenic landscape of a large lake surrounded by green hills and mountains with cloudy sky

  • Intermediate

    What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.

    A mountain landscape with snow-capped peaks in the background, rolling green hills in the middle ground, and modern building structures in the foreground.

  • Advanced

    What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.

    Modern building with wooden exterior, large glass window, surrounded by grassy field with mountains in the background.

When to Consider an Evaluation

If communication challenges significantly impact daily routines, frustration, or social interactions, a speech-language evaluation or developmental assessment can clarify strengths + next steps.

A modern wooden house at the edge of a grassy hill overlooking a lake and mountain range with cloudy sky.

Intervention / Therapy Options

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.

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