Total communication approach

This article talks about the importance of a total communication approach that involves both verbal and non-verbal cues. 

Communication is not limited to spoken words—it includes gestures, facial expressions, body language, and other non‑verbal cues. A total communication approach encourages us to value and integrate all these forms into everyday interactions, play, and learning.

When working with children, it is important to be mindful of the subtle signals they present. By noticing these cues, engaging in parallel talk, and responding to their needs, children feel acknowledged and motivated. This builds trust and strengthens the bond between the child and adult.

Example:

• If a child shows excitement while playing with bubbles, you might comment: “I like playing with bubbles,” or “I want more bubbles,” based on their reactions.
• If the child moves away or pushes your hand, you could model: “I don’t like this,” or “I want to stop playing with bubbles.”

This approach ensures the child feels heard and understood, encouraging them to communicate more confidently in any form.

By embracing all forms of communication, we empower children to express themselves freely and confidently. In doing so, we nurture not just language, but connection, trust, and joy in every interaction.

This video and guidance were created by Communiverse, led by Deepa Bhat Nair, an organisation dedicated to providing innovative, family-focused solutions for neurodivergent children and their caregivers. Communiverse offers both online and in-person support, providing highly nuanced interventions for very young children — with remarkable outcomes. The team is also pioneering path-breaking programs for middle schoolers and young adults with social cognition challenges, helping them navigate school, college, and daily interactions with greater confidence.

If you have questions about Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, or other intellectual disabilities, or have concerns about developmental delays in a child, the Nayi Disha team is here to help. For any questions or queries, please contact our FREE Helpline at 844-844-8996. You can call or what’s app us. Our counselors speak different languages including English, Hindi, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, and Bengali.