Supporting Communication for Autistic Students in Early Learning Years

Key Challenges and Best Practice Strategies in Childcare and Early School Years

In the early learning years, communication is the foundation for engagement, learning, and building social connections. For autistic students, however, communication can present unique challenges that impact their ability to participate fully in classroom activities. Understanding these challenges and implementing best practice strategies can create an inclusive and supportive environment in childcare/ early school years, for every child.

In many childcares, school, environments it is still common to see multiple documents, i.e. a Speech pathology report, an Occupational Therapy report, an individual educational plan, where the base line of communication for the child is inconsistent across reports.  This creates extreme distress for the child and the family.

Every neurodivergent learner often has their own unique communication profile that include key strengths and challenges.  It is important to develop a base line of their current level of skills that everyone agrees on, so all the strategies are consistently implemented across home, school and therapy.  If there are multiple children in the classroom/childcare with communication delay, it is important that every child has their own communication profile developed at the beginning of the school year. This document needs to be available in the classroom for new therapists, relief teachers etc, to read before working with the child so everyone is using a strength-based approach to support the child and their “just right” level.

Outlined below are some key challenges, and strategies for educators.

Key Communication Challenges for Autistic Children

Delayed or Limited Verbal Language

Many autistic students may have delayed speech development, limited use of spoken language, or rely on non-verbal communication methods such as gestures, facial expressions, or visual aids. They might use learned or repetitive phrases. 

Difficulty Understanding Verbal Instructions

Autistic students may struggle to process verbal instructions, particularly when they are given quickly, involve multiple steps, or are delivered in a noisy environment.  Autistic students’ strengths are processing visual instructions.

Receptive Language Challenges

Understanding abstract concepts, figurative language, or non-literal phrases can be difficult for autistic students. Instructions like "keep an eye on the clock" might be taken literally, causing confusion.  Literal concepts may be a challenge but can also be used as a strategy for teaching to the child strengths.

Expressive Language Challenges

Communicating needs, wants, or emotions effectively can be a significant challenge. This may result in frustration or behaviors that are perceived as disruptive when the child is unable to express themselves clearly.

Social Communication Difficulties

Autistic students might find it challenging to initiate or sustain interactions with peers, interpret social cues, or join group activities. Their communication styles may differ from neurotypical peers, leading to misunderstandings.

Autistic students, want to be friends with their peers and with the right communication supports they can successfully engage.

Sensory Processing Difficulties Impacting Communication.

Every autistic child has a unique sensory processing style that impacts how they interpret and respond to the world around them. Understanding each child’s unique sensory processing style and how to support them, plays a crucial role in a child's ability to regulate their emotions and participate in communication.

Best Practice Strategies for Supporting Communication

Understanding Sensory Processing, so the child is in a calm alert state for communicating.

To support autistic students, it’s essential to adopt tailored strategies for the individual child while also fostering an inclusive classroom environment.

Why Understanding Sensory Processing is Critical in relation to communication:

1. Improved Attention and Focus

   When a child’s sensory needs are met, they are better able to focus on classroom activities and communication tasks. For example, a child with a high need for movement might benefit from regular sensory breaks to release excess energy, enabling them to concentrate during group activities.

   
   

2. Enhanced Emotional Regulation

   Emotional regulation is closely tied to sensory processing. When children feel calm and regulated, they are better able to communicate their needs and engage socially. Without support, sensory overwhelm can lead to shutdowns, meltdowns, or withdrawal, limiting opportunities for learning and interaction.

   
   

3. Increased Participation Across the Day

   Integrating sensory supports into a child’s daily routine creates a predictable and accommodating environment, empowering them to feel safe and confident in engaging with their peers and educator.

   
   

   

   
   

Individualized Communication Strategies for the Child

Use Visual Supports

Visual supports are one of the most effective tools for promoting understanding, engagement, and independence in autistic students. These tools are adaptable and can be tailored to meet the needs of each child. Some key types of visual supports include:

Visual Schedules: Display daily routines in a step-by-step format using pictures, symbols, or words.

First/Then Boards: Show the child what to do now (first) and what comes next (then).

Choice Boards: Provide a set of visual options for the child to choose from.

Task Analysis and Visual Sequences: Break complex tasks into smaller steps using visual cues.

Social Stories: Use text and images to explain social situations, rules, or expectations.

Emotion Charts: Help children identify and communicate their emotions with visual aids.

Low-Tech and High-Tech AAC

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to tools and strategies used to support or replace verbal communication for individuals who have difficulty expressing themselves using speech alone. AAC can be categorized into low-tech and high-tech options:

Low-Tech AAC

Definition: Low-tech AAC involves tools that do not require electricity or batteries. They are often simple, portable, and easy to use.

Examples:

Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS): A system where a child exchanges a picture card to request an item or activity.

Communication Boards: Laminated boards with symbols, pictures, or words that a child can point to in order to communicate.

Visual Cards: Single picture or word cards that represent specific items, actions, or needs.

Writing or Drawing Tools: Paper, whiteboards, or notebooks for children who prefer to write or draw to communicate.

High-Tech AAC

Definition: High-tech AAC includes devices or applications that require electricity or batteries, often incorporating advanced features like voice output or dynamic displays.

Examples:

Speech-Generating Devices (SGDs): Dedicated devices that allow children to select words, symbols, or phrases, which are then spoken aloud.

AAC Apps on Tablets: Apps like Proloquo2Go, TouchChat, or LAMP Words for Life that turn tablets into powerful communication tools.

Eye-Gaze Technology: High-tech AAC tools that allow children to communicate by focusing their gaze on specific symbols or words on a screen.

Text-to-Speech Devices: Devices or software that convert typed text into spoken words.

Why AAC is Effective

AAC supports language development, promotes independence, and reduces frustration by giving children an alternative way to express themselves. For some children, AAC tools also help build their verbal communication skills over time.

Your therapist should be able to assist create individualized communication supports that can be used across home, and childcare/ school environments to support each child.

Low-Tech AAC Resources

Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS): Start with basic picture cards and build a library of symbols for home or classroom use. PECS Starter Packs are widely available online.

Communication Boards: Create customized communication boards using tools like Canva or purchase pre-made boards from websites such as Board maker.

Emotion Charts: Printable emotion charts, such as "Zones of Regulation," are great tools for children to express their feelings.

High-Tech AAC Resources

Proloquo2Go: A popular app for iPads that provides customizable communication options for children with speech difficulties.

TouchChat: Another AAC app with voice output, customizable symbols, and user-friendly navigation for younger learners.

LAMP Words for Life: A language-based app designed for non-verbal individuals to develop functional communication.

Speech-Generating Devices (SGDs): Devices like Tobii Dynavox are widely recognized for their quality and reliability in high-tech AAC support.

Classroom-Wide Strategies

• Every child is unique, we must celebrate and build on their strengths.  It is important at the beginning of each year, that the childcare environment/classroom is set up to create a Communication-Friendly Environment, that considers the range of communication needs of the group.

• Use clear, consistent visual schedules displayed in the classroom.

• Establish predictable routines to reduce anxiety around what comes next.

• Label areas and resources with pictures and words to help children navigate the environment independently.

• Teach and Model Social Skills

• Introduce structured activities like role-playing or partner work to teach social communication skills.

• Use explicit teaching to help children learn to greet, share, take turns, and request help.

• Inclusive Group Activities: Use songs, rhymes, or movement-based activities that allow children to participate at their own level.  Interactive song boards and books, really support autistic children to engage and participate in small group sessions.

• Pair students thoughtfully, matching children who can model social and communication skills with those who need more support.

• Support Peer Interactions; Encourage peers to use simple, clear language when communicating with autistic students.

• Use “buddy systems” or small group tasks to promote interaction and collaboration.

• Provide Quiet Spaces- Set up a calm, low-stimulation area where children can take a break if they feel overwhelmed. This helps them regulate and return to learning.  Teach them over time to learn to identify when they need a break and to request it before they become escalated.

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Collaborating with Families and Therapists

Supporting communication for autistic students in the early learning years is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It requires an understanding of the child’s unique challenges and strengths, as well as a commitment to creating an inclusive, communication-friendly environment.

By incorporating individualized strategies, such as AAC tools and visual supports, alongside classroom-wide approaches, teachers and parents can empower autistic children to engage, participate, and thrive in their early education journey.

Building a partnership between teachers, parents, and therapists is essential for consistent communication support across environments. Families can share insights into what works at home, while therapists can provide guidance on specific communication strategies.  Having one central document that has the base line communication strengths, challenges and strategies is key to creating seamless integration of strategies across environments.