Early Interventions
Speech, Language and Communication
Social Communication
How can I help develop a child’s social communication skills?
General strategies

The feel of the setting and school will have an impact on the social language skills of
a child. It is important that children see good role models.

Be aware that different cultures have different social rules. Make sure you speak to
parents about what is expected in their culture.

Ensure the learning environment best supports the child. Is it a language friendly
environment?

Routines are very important for children with social interaction difficulties. Make the
routine clear (e.g. by using a visual timetable) and warn children in advance of any
changes to the usual timetable.

Be consistent with use of visual cues, e.g. symbols, signs - and persist!

Minimise visual distractions and background noise as far as possible

Be aware when giving group or whole class instructions that they may not listen or
respond unless you say their name directly - they may only perceive that they are
included when they hear their name and not 'class' or ‘everyone’.

Ensure you are face-to-face when communicating.

Use visual support such as pointing, gesture, photos and pictures.

Be aware that children may struggle to stay in the group for a whole activity.

It is important that the child is in a situation where meaningful communication is
rewarded and encouraged. It is important to create a need for communication.

Allow opportunities for children to withdraw from social interaction and play quietly
alone sometimes.

When talking to a child leave a pause for the child to speak, this will help them to
become aware of turn taking in conversation.

Don't anticipate the child's needs: create situations where the child needs to
communicate e.g. offer choices at snack time.

Use high interest toys like bubbles, noisy or pop-up toys to encourage simple
interaction and turn taking.

Praise the child for ‘good listening’ or ‘good looking’ or for taking turns in an activity.

Set up small social communication groups and repeat these 2 or 3 times a week.
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Strategies to help children develop social communication skills
Make sure the child has a need to
communicate
Create opportunities to interact with adults
and peers and support the child in
becoming involved.
Give the child the opportunity to learn how
to take turns in a pair or small group
Comment and describe what the child is
doing (at the right language level for the
child)
Follow the child's lead in play
Reduce or explain non-literal language,
eg:
Be a good communication model, e.g.
listen, take turns
If a child frequently talks off the topic, gently
bring them back to the relevant topic, eg:
‘hop’ onto the carpet
‘we’re talking about your swimming
lesson’
Don't force eye contact if the child is
uncomfortable - just get face to face so
you can see their reactions
Encourage means of communication other
than speech, e.g. gesture, facial
expressions, objects, pictures, symbols
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Strategies to help children social play with other children
Set up the room to allow children to play
in pairs, casual groups and co-operative
groups
Provide toys and activities that encourage
interaction e.g. large equipment, outdoor
play
Set up activities so children are face to
face
Support a child to become involved and
then withdraw when play with peers has
started. Be prepared to go back if needed.
Suggest ways to keep the play going, e.g.
offer a prop, give the child a role or model
a way of playing.
Direct conversations towards peers, e.g. If
a child asks for more play dough ask him
to say to Billy “more play dough please”.
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