Getting Your Child to Use Their Words Part: 2

So you read part 1 of “Getting Your Child to Use Their Words” but now you need a few more tips… we’ve got you covered! Or maybe your child is doing amazing now and is consistently asking for items using one word, but you’re not sure how to get them using full sentences… we’ve got you covered as well! Keep reading to learn more about how to get your child to request for items appropriately instead of engaging in behavior such as crying and whining.

1. Don’t Give In Too Easily: Sometimes getting your child to speak requires waiting them out and not being a pushover. Sometimes you will have to withhold an item for a while until your child says the word or an approximation to the word. You may feel mean, but if they are motivated for the item, they will ask for it. Withholding the item until they ask is necessary to get them to the next level (if this has never been required of them before, don’t be surprised if there is an increase in behavior such as whining and crying; remember they are used to getting the items they want when they engage in these challenging behaviors so they now have to learn that will no longer work.)

2. A Little Bit Goes a Long Way: It is super important to create many opportunities for your child to learn how to appropriately ask for things, and one great way is simply giving a little bit at a time. For example, if your child wants chips, give them one or two chips (not the whole bag) and then have them ask for “chips” again if they want more after eating the first two. You can do this with toys as well… does your child want every colored marker? Have them ask for one color at a time. Keep the items in your control so that you create opportunities for them to have to use their words. What if the item doesn’t have multiple parts? No problem, let them play with the item for a couple of minutes, remove the item, and have them ask for it again if they want to keep playing with it.

3. Practice Makes Perfect: Try to create as many opportunities as possible for your child to have to ask for items throughout the day. If your child normally gets handed items for free, this will take some getting used to, but the more they practice, the easier it will become for them… and soon enough, they will realize that it is a lot easier to just ask for the items they want instead of whining or crying.

4. Create Longer Sentences: Once your child starts to independently ask for items using one word consistently (eg. “tickles” or “marker”), start to require two words before giving them the item/activity (eg. now they have to say, “Want tickles,” or “Blue marker,” etc.). Model this for your child at first to teach them how to use two words (eg. when you show them the blue marker, say, “blue marker” so they know what you are asking them to do). Do you remember when you used to have to withhold reinforcement until they requested using one word?! Now you’re going to do the exact same thing but you will wait until they say at least two words. Once they are using two words consistently, start to require three words (eg. “I want chips,” “Want red marker,” etc.). Keep going until your child is using clear sentences (eg. “I want the chips please.” or “Can I have the blue marker?”)

Teaching language and communication is a huge part of ABA therapy. As always, consult with your doctor first to rule out any medical conditions, such as hearing impairment. If your doctor has ruled out medical conditions and you still feel concerned, feel free to contact us today to learn more about our intake process.