The importance of communication
Not saying anything is...
not the same as having nothing to say.
Anne McDonald
During a child’s early years there may be involvement from a number of professionals. However, the communication needs for that child may not always be addressed.
Parents can feel overwhelmed, and those whose children cannot talk may think their child will never be able to communicate. Early play is essential for the development of communication and language skills.
Some parents think because their child cannot talk they cannot communicate. Communication, however, is not just speech. Communication is accomplished in many different ways with our hands, eye contact, body language, crying and laughing.
Finding the most suitable communication system for a child who has little or no useful speech can be difficult.
Whatever your child’s communication needs, it is essential you seek advice as early as possible from a speech and language therapist, physiotherapist and occupational therapist.
Read Scope publications on communication at http://www.scope.org.uk/publications/communication.shtml