Getting started with telehealth for early intervention: Learning modules

Non-verbal communication is also very important. We all use different forms of non-verbal communication to express ourselves, such as nodding or shaking our heads, pointing, or other forms of gestures.

Non-verbal communication is also very important for children who are developing language. The early forms of communication that occur before more complex language is referred to “pre-linguistic communication.” It includes all kinds of communication that children use as they develop language.

Encouraging non-verbal communication and pre-linguistic communication are very important to communication development.

It can include communication forms such as:

1. Gestures,
2. Making sounds,
3. Showing you an object,
4. Pointing to or reaching for an object,
5. Taking someone’s hand and leading them to an area or an object, or placing their hand on an object,
6. Eye contact or eye gaze shifts between a person and objects, areas, or other people
7. and, at times, interfering behavior forms (such as hitting others or biting one’s self).