Four fact sheets (links to the right) have been developed for parents and caregivers of young children with significant disabilities who are learning to use pre-symbolic behaviors to communicate. Pre-symbolic behaviors include eye gaze, body movement, vocalizations, and other behaviors that do not involve formal symbols like objects, speech, or sign language.
Some children with significant disabilities may always use pre-symbolic behaviors to communicate while other children may learn to use symbols over time. Because of this fact, it is important to make sure that children who are learning to communicate using pre-symbolic behaviors understand the power of their actions over other people and how they can make things happen!
Graycee and North
Graycee and North, the "stars" of these video fact sheets, are examples of children who have significant disabilities and are learning to communicate using pre-symbolic behaviors. They are beginning to understand that their behaviors can send a message to another person. For example, you will see Graycee use an eye gaze to make a choice between two toys. She is using this behavior to intentionally communicate to her mother that she wants a certain toy. North is beginning to learn that he can use a head movement to ask for "more' of a favorite activity. He is also being taught to use other body movements to get someone's attention.
These fact sheets give you information on how to help your child become a more intentional communicator. The examples focus on areas that a child will use throughout his or her life including asking for "more," making a choice, and getting someone's attention.