For children’s nurses working in a home environment, finding strategies to communicate with nonverbal children is important for providing effective care. Children with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder may require special approaches so providers can understand their wants and needs. If you’re caring for a child who uses non-verbal communication, here are some ways to engage with them without spoken language.

How to Communicate With Non-Verbal Children 

1. Leverage Body Language

Although the ultimate goal may be to encourage speaking, using non-verbal cues can be an effective communication method in the interim. Behaviors such as hand gestures and eye contact can be useful for assessing a child’s needs, and they may also lay the foundation for verbal communication. Children’s nurses should model the gestures they would like to see, such as pointing to a particular food item and nodding or shaking their head.  

2. Engage in Play

While a child may not engage in verbal communication, they can still explore their world through other means. Tactile experiences, which include touching different substances such a putty, “touch and feel” books, and playing with blocks, can spur a desire to communicate. Playing with instruments, dolls, balls, and action figures can also encourage communication. Use imitation or role-playing techniques to form your own unique conversation and play style with the child.

3. Use Assistive Devices

Nowadays, there are many assistive devices available to parents and children’s nurses alike that can support communication. Flashcards are useful visual supports for pinpointing a particular food item, activity, or need. Presenting them to children will help them make requests and communicate. Additionally, download an app to your phone that children can use to touch pictures or create words.

If you’re a children’s nurse seeking employment in Rockland County, NY, J&D Ultracare will help match you with a fulfilling position. As the Hudson-Valley region’s trusted nurse staffing agency, this company provides competitive rates and benefits as well as educational resources and opportunities. Explore their current job openings in Westchester County, Monroe, White Plains, and Orange County on their website, or call (845) 357-4500 to inquire about a specific employment opportunity.