Getting started with telehealth for early intervention: Learning modules

There are many opportunities to provide communication during the day. Your provider will work with you to embed communication into natural routines for your child and your family.

This may be verbal communication, such as saying a word or a word approximation. Or it may be a gesture (such as reaching for or pointing to an object). Or it may be a form of Augmentative or Alternative Communication (AAC), such as pointing to or giving you a picture card or using a speech-generating device, such as the Ipad or tablet. Or it may be a combination of these communication forms.

Request example: You may work on your child learning to make requests during snack time or playtime. Together, you and your provider will determine a communication form for your child to communicate what they want and need.

Comment example: You may work on your child learning to make comments during an activity, such as commenting on things they see when playing in your backyard. You may label several interesting things that you see in the yard, and then pause and point to some things that your child sees together to encourage them to comment on these interesting things.

Joint attention example: You may work on joint attention with your child during play routines by introducing a novel and unexpected toy or object (such as putting a hat on a plush animal toy or having a windup toy suddenly walk across the table) then drawing your child’s attention to the toy or action. You may also encourage your child to draw your attention to a novel and unexpected toy or action by setting up one of these scenarios and pausing to see if your child attempts to get your attention to show you the novel toy.