Creating Opportunities for Communication

Some key aspects of teaching communication skills are providing intentional opportunities for students to practice and identifying reinforcement strategies that work for students.

• Practice: Incorporate communication into daily routines. Given frequent opportunities to use their communication skills, students will enhance their skills and build confidence.
• Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement helps to encourage and solidify new communication behaviors. Celebrate small successes to keep students motivated!

Understanding the difference between receptive and expressive language can help target essential skills. Receptive language refers to the ability to understand language, while expressive language involves the ability to use language to communicate. Some students may excel in one area but need additional support in the other.

Techniques like discrete trial training (DT) and pivotal response training (PRT) can help build receptive and expressive language skills: DT approaches provide structured support and immediate feedback, while strategies like PRT emphasize using natural environments and interest-focused skill building. Our curricula provide opportunities for students to build and practice both receptive and expressive language skills, and our robust consulting experiences can bring training to your classroom.

Encouraging Variation in Communication Support

Variety is essential in helping students process and respond to communication effectively.

• Visual supports: Visual aids such as choice wheels, image-based cards, and activity icons can significantly enhance understanding and communication. These tools help students grasp concepts and make decisions more independently. This visual listening chart (English | Español) from our new Routine Essentials content can be placed in accessible, visible locations as a reminder of critical listening skills.
• Wait time: Allowing students time to process information before responding is important. Rushing can limit their ability to fully understand and engage.
• Collaboration with caregivers: Communication practice doesn’t stop at the end of a school day—it’s important to connect with caregivers, too! Distribute information about any caregiver support offered by your local district, and connect with our team to learn about our training options for caregivers. You can also share our free home supports resources directly with caregivers to encourage communication development at home!

Considering Social Contexts

Communication doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s important to practice skills in social contexts.

• Social skills practice: Encourage students to use their communication skills in various social settings, and help them apply what they’ve learned in real-life situations. Use interest-based activities to offer structure as students build connections: Try this set of conversation starters (English | Español) for secondary students and this collaborative “Question of the Day” activity (English | Español) for primary students.
• SOLER resources: Our social emotional learning curriculum—SOLER—offers communication supports across three leveled units to support student communication in different social areas such as interacting with peers, resolving conflicts, and expressing emotions appropriately. Teaching nonverbal communication can be tricky, but tools for simplifying concepts like body language can help. This guide (English | Español) from SOLER is a great way to start exploring body language!

Remember, each student is unique, so tailor these strategies to fit individual needs and strengths! Strong communication allows us to engage with and learn from others in academic, social, and vocational settings. This fall, STAR Autism Support is here for you as you support your students in communication—contact us to learn more about how we can help!