Steps

1. Narrate your day: 'I'm putting on my shoes. Now I'm opening the door'
2. Follow their lead: talk about what THEY'RE interested in, not what you want them to say
3. Use one word more than they use: if they say 'car', you say 'big car'
4. Reduce questions. Statements and commentary are less pressuring than 'What's that?'
5. Celebrate ALL communication: gestures, pointing, leading you by the hand, not just words

What you need

Patience, reduced pressure, celebration of all communication forms

Why it works

Autistic children's language often develops on a different timeline and through a different pathway than neurotypical children. Narrating, following their lead, and reducing question pressure creates a low-stress language environment where communication attempts are more likely to emerge naturally.

Age guidance

Most impactful between ages 1-6 when language is rapidly developing. These principles remain helpful at any age for children with delayed speech.

Real-world example

A parent stopped asking 'what's that?' and started narrating instead: 'You're holding the red car. The car goes fast!' Within three weeks, their child started echoing words back. Removing the pressure to perform made the difference.

Troubleshooting

• If speech isn't progressing, request a speech and language therapy referral
• Bilingual children may take longer but are not disadvantaged long-term
• Frustration often increases as communication need outpaces ability. Use visuals as a bridge