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ASK PINNACLE · QUESTIONS, EXPLANATIONS & NEXT STEPS

Nonverbal Communication

Explore explanations, everyday questions and next steps connected with nonverbal communication.

28 published answers · English · Page 2

Therapy & support

Answer

Therapy for nonverbal communication in toddlers

Toddler nonverbal communication — pointing, gestures, eye contact and facial expression — is supported mainly through speech and language therapy, often with occupational therapy and parent coaching, building the social-communication foundations that come before words. AbilityScore® is part of Pinnacle’s developmental assessment. Diagnosis, where needed, requires an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

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At home

Answer

Helping Your Child Practise Nonverbal Communication at Home

Build nonverbal communication into everyday routines by getting face-to-face, pausing expectantly, copying and adding to your child's gestures, and responding warmly to every glance, point or reach. Use natural gestures with simple words and make routines predictable to teach turn-taking.

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How can I help my child learn nonverbal communication at home?

Grow your toddler's nonverbal communication through warm everyday play: get face-to-face, follow their lead, pause and wait for a look or gesture, model waving and pointing, and respond to every attempt. These serve-and-return moments build the eye contact, gestures and shared attention that precede spoken words.

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What is one Everyday Therapy activity for nonverbal communication?

Use "pause and wait" during play your toddler loves: do the fun part once, then stop and wait expectantly for a gesture, point or eye contact before continuing. Responding instantly to that signal teaches your child their nonverbal communication has power — the foundation of all language.

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