What are best resources for non verbal toddler?

[UndertheCedartree]

My nephew is almost 3, has global developmental delay and probable ASD. He can only say a few words and is crawling but not walking yet. But he is bright as a button. I'm going to start looking after him soon so want to be prepared with the right resources.

Makaton is brilliant. Something special on cebeebies is good for picking up the basics and I think there is a group called helping hands which does stuff on you tube. There might be a local parent carer group who might offer makaton training or at least be able to show you where to find courses.

You you also look at pecs apps for an iPad so that he starts getting used to pictures as a way of communicating. Actual pecs is linked with aba techniques so I would be cautious about using official pecs methods.

Now and next velcro board with pecs pictures on might be a good way to start so that he can see what is planned for the day.

Just to clarify - PECS is a specific system which many autistic people object to. Now and Next boards, communication boards and apps use a symbol system, not PECS, it's often Makaton symbols, or widgits. So many people say PECS but mean symbols and it can be confusing.

I agree with Makaton though, the Makaton charity website is great, there's also BBC's Tiny Happy People website, and your NHS trust may have some videos on their website, if not, the KCHFT Pod has some nice videos on early communication and language skills.

Thanks for explaining that better than me! Lots of people call it pecs when they mean the symbols, or at least have with us, including health professionals.

Yeah, it's really common, but PECS is just one specific way of using symbols.

Thank you for all the information ☺️

I have a nonverbal nearly 13_year old it really depends on the child.he's never took to.makaton,or signalong,as it is i n my LEA, we use PECS and communication boards .

Attention Autism/attention bucket

Yakka Dee on bbc iPlayer

What you use depends on the child - their preferences and also their understanding/ cognitive ability.

Ideally you want to works towards them having a voice. That doesn't mean in the verbal sense (although some learn to talk quite late so never rule it out) but in a sense they can get their needs meet.

I'd find out what his parents plans are for him re communication in the future and anything a Salt has suggested.

Look at what skills he needs to learn and the step by step approach to teaching them.

Other than that I'd look at having items around that help him and he enjoys. So maybe tents, lights, weighted blanket, favourite tv shows, buggy or reins if he needs them going out. Splash suit and wellies and look at sensory trays.

Don't force him (not suggesting you would!) to touch things if he's sensory defensive or to go into busy places if he hates the noise.