Parallel Talk – Part 3: Non-Verbal Communication

So far we have learned that parallel talk is a communication technique where caregivers or therapists speak out loud what the child is doing, seeing, or experiencing in the moment. This article is the third in a four‑part series designed to help families explore simple, natural ways to support communication.

Non‑Verbal Cues in Early Communication

Before children develop speech, they communicate in many ways—through pointing, reaching, facial expressions, gestures, and sounds. Recognizing and responding to these cues is vital, because it encourages children to keep communicating and builds the foundation for back‑and‑forth interaction.

Why are non‑verbal cues important?

Many parents wait for speech to emerge, but early communication often happens through gestures and sounds. When caregivers respond to these signals, children feel heard and valued, which motivates them to engage more.

Examples of non‑verbal communication:

• A child makes sounds to get attention. When ignored, he throws a block. The therapist responds warmly: “I can see you,” helping him feel acknowledged.
• During bubble play, a child bangs a toy after failed attempts to get his mother’s attention. The therapist immediately joins in, reinforcing his effort to connect.
• A child enacts hand movements from a rhyme. The therapist recognizes the gesture, joins in singing, and the child beams with joy at being understood.

Children may use several different non-verbal ways to communicate. Whether it’s pointing, banging a toy, or enacting a rhyme, each cue is a meaningful attempt to connect. When the child is acknowledged and understood, it motivates them to try and communicate meaningfully more often.

It is important to stay open‑minded when trying to understand what a child is communicating. If their meaning isn’t clear, simply narrating what you see them doing and gently wondering aloud can show that you are trying to connect. The goal is not perfection, but effort—every attempt to interpret their cues helps the child feel heard. This process requires patience, yet the rewards are significant: children gain confidence, enjoy being understood, and are encouraged to keep engaging in communication.

Staying open‑minded and patient while interpreting a child’s cues builds trust and connection. Every effort to respond meaningfully helps the child feel heard and strengthens their journey toward communication.

You can read the part 1 and 2 of the series here.

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.