- 1). Draw small pictures of objects or actions the child often wants. For example, you might draw a picture of a glass of juice, a mother giving a child a hug or a backyard.
- 2). Glue the pictures onto a piece of cardboard.
- 3). Model for the child how to use the pictures to communicate. When you think the child wants one of the objects or actions on the board, point to it as a way of communication. For example, point to the cup and say, "Do you want a drink? Here is the drink. Point to this when you want a drink."
- 4). Help the child use the board by using a hand over hand method. Gently hold the child's hand and help her point to the picture that she wants.
- 5). Respond with praise. For example, you might say, "Oh? You want a glass of juice? I would love to give you some. Thank you for pointing to the picture."
- 6). Repeat this several times until the child uses the board for communication purposes.
- 7). Encourage communication by delaying your response to the child's needs before he communicates them to you. For example, if you see that he wants a drink, say, "I see that you want something. Can you use the pictures to tell me what you want?"
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