Being at home with a child with unique communication needs can be both rewarding and challenging. Whether your child is non-verbal, uses high tech devices like AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), low tech boards like PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), eye gaze systems, sign language, or has limited expressive language, the goal is the same. You want to build functional, meaningful communication for them through everyday life.

Functional communication means giving your child the tools and opportunities to express their needs, wants, thoughts, and feelings across settings. Here are 10 functional communication strategies you can start with your child today to increase and support communication while working with your child at home.

1. Model Communication Throughout the Day

Why it Matters

Research shows that children need to see language in action before they can use it themselves. Just as babies hear spoken language long before they speak, AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) users need to see us using their system. This is called Aided Language Stimulation, and it’s one of the most effective evidence-based strategies for teaching communication with AAC.

Benefits

• Reduces pressure: Your child will see it’s okay to explore their system without being perfect.

• Provides context: Words for your child are learned in meaningful situations, not in drills.

• Encourages confidence: “If Mom uses my talker, it must be important!”

  
  

Everyday Example

When you’re making a sandwich, press “bread,” “eat,” and “yum” on your child’s device while saying them out loud.

How to Implement

• Pick 2 - 3 core words per day (“eat,” “go,” “help”) and model them consistently.

• Don’t worry if your child doesn’t immediately respond, think of it as planting a seed.

• Narrate your actions using their communication mode while living life together each day.

2. Embed Communication in Routines

Why it Matters

Our learners thrive on repetition and predictability. According to developmental psychology, routines reduce cognitive load and free up mental space for learning. Each routine becomes a predictable “script” where communication naturally fits.

Benefits

• Naturally creating consistent opportunities for practice.

• Builds independence (“I can tell what comes next”).

• Reduces frustration by making communication part of what’s expected.

Everyday Example

During brushing teeth:

• You hold the toothbrush and pause.

• Your child uses AAC to say “brush” or points to picture.

• You respond: “Yes! Brush teeth!”

How to Implement

• Pick 2 daily routines (like snack time and bedtime) to start embedding communication.

• Pause at predictable points so your child can fill in with words, pictures, or gestures.

• Over time, add more routines until communication is woven throughout the day.

3. Create a Low-Pressure Environment

Why it Matters

Studies in speech-language development highlight that children learn best when communication is functional, not forced. If every moment feels like a quiz, anxiety increases and participation decreases.

Benefits

• Increases willingness to try.

• Strengthens trust and connection.

• Encourages spontaneous communication.

Everyday Example

Your child reaches toward a toy. Instead of saying, “Tell me what you want!” you can respond warmly: “Oh, you want the car!” and offer it, while also modeling “car” on their chosen communication system.

How to Implement

• Think of yourself as a communication partner, not a tester.

• Respond to all attempts - eye gaze, gestures, are forms of real communication.

• Smile, encourage, and keep the interaction playful.

4. Offer Choices Frequently

Why it Matters

Being able to make a choice is a cornerstone of functional communication and autonomy. According to self-determination theory, being able to make choices increases motivation and reduces problem behaviors.

Benefits

• Empowers your child to feel in control.

• Provides natural opportunities to practice words.

• Decreases frustration and meltdowns.

Everyday Example

Snack time: Hold up a banana and crackers, asking, “Do you want banana or crackers?” Your child points, uses images, or presses a symbol. You honor the choice immediately.

How to Implement

• Offer 2–3 options instead of asking yes/no questions.

• Use visuals if speech is limited.

• Start small (snacks, toys, activities) and expand to bigger decisions (learning topics, chores).

5. Use Visual Supports

Why it Matters

Visuals are powerful because they stay in place. Neurological research shows many children with developmental differences process visual information more easily than auditory.

Benefits

• Improves understanding and reduces anxiety.

• Helps with transitions and schedules.

• Supports both expressive and receptive language.

Everyday Example

Create a visual morning schedule: pictures for “eat breakfast → brush teeth → read book → play outside.” Your child can point to what’s next or move pictures as each step is completed.

How to Implement

• Post a core vocabulary board in main rooms.

• Label drawers with pictures (socks, shirts, toys).

• Use first/then boards (“First get dressed, then play outside”).

6. Pause and Wait

Why it Matters

Many children need extra processing time due to motor planning, auditory processing, or device navigation. Studies show that extending wait time (up to 10 seconds) dramatically increases responses.

Benefits

• Encourages initiation.

• Reduces the urge for you to “rescue” or talk over your child.

• Teaches patience and turn-taking.

Everyday Example

You ask, “What do you want to play?” Instead of repeating or answering, lean in, make eye contact, and wait silently. Often, our children surprise us with what they can do if we simply give them extra time and space.

How to Implement

• Count slowly in your head (7–10 seconds) before prompting again.

• Use positive body language: soft smile, raised eyebrows.

• Resist filling silence; silence is space for communication.

7. Incorporate Interests into Learning

Why it Matters

Motivation fuels learning. Neuroscience tells us dopamine is released when we engage with something we love, which increases attention and memory.

Benefits

• Keeps learning enjoyable.

• Creates authentic reasons to communicate.

• Strengthens parent-child connection.

Everyday Example

If your child loves dinosaurs:

• Use toy dinosaurs to practice “big/small,” “in/out.”

• Encourage AAC to say “roar,” “run,” “dino eat.”

• Read dinosaur books and let your child “comment” on pictures.

How to Implement

• Make a list of your child’s top 5 interests.

• Brainstorm vocabulary related to them.

• Use interests as a bridge into learning.

8. Expand on Their Communication

Why it Matters

In language development, expansion means repeating what the child says but adding a little more. This provides a natural scaffold without overwhelming them.

Benefits

• Builds longer phrases over time.

• Validates their attempt while modeling growth.

• Helps children move from single words to sentences.

Everyday Example

Child: “Cookie.”You: “Yes, cookie. Big cookie!” while showing the AAC for “big.”

How to Implement

• Listen for what your child communicates, then add 1–2 extra words.

• Keep it natural, not forced.

• Match your tone to theirs (if excited, you show excitement too).

9. Collaborate Across Modalities

Why it Matters

Human communication is naturally multimodal. We use speech, gestures, facial expressions, and writing together. For children with communication challenges, embracing multiple methods (speech + AAC + gesture) builds flexibility and resilience.

Benefits

• Reduces pressure to “pick one right way.”

• Increases opportunities for successful interactions.

• Encourages creativity and expression.

Everyday Example

Your child says “go,” points to the door, and presses “outside” on the device. You respond: “Yes! Go outside!” All 3 forms are valid communication.

How to Implement

• Accept speech, gestures, pictures, and AAC equally.

• Encourage switching between them naturally.

• Model combining methods yourself.

10. Celebrate Successes

Why it Matters

Positive reinforcement is one of the strongest drivers of learning. Celebrating effort, not just accuracy. It works to build motivation and resilience.

Benefits

• Increases confidence.

• Encourages repetition of communication attempts.

• Creates joy and strengthens the parent-child bond.

Everyday Example

Child tries a new word on AAC but mispronounces it. Instead of correcting, you cheer: “Wow, you used your talker! You told me exactly what you wanted! Way to go!”

How to Implement

• Celebrate effort, not perfection.

• Use smiles, hugs, high-fives, or verbal praise.

• Share successes with siblings or Dad at dinner. “Guess what? She asked for juice today all by herself!”

Functional Communication Strategies Set You Up for Success

Facilitating functional communication at home doesn’t mean scheduling extra therapy sessions. It means working naturally to make everyday life more functional at home. Whether you’re baking cookies, playing outside, or reading books, each moment is an opportunity for connection.

Communication isn’t about perfection. It’s about being heard, being understood, and belonging. You have the unique gift of intertwining communication into the daily hours of your family life naturally while helping your child's voice shine, in whatever form they take.

-LeCha with Reaching Exceptional Learners