Have you ever taken a moment to reflect on all of the different ways you communicate throughout the day? You start your day by going downstairs and asking your family how everyone slept. Then you might look outside and comment on how bright the sun looks. Maybe you ask your spouse if they could pour you a cup of coffee!
In just a few minutes, you have utilized three different functions of communication:
“How did everyone sleep last night?” Asking and Answering Questions
“Look how bright the sun is! I’d love to go on a walk today.” Commenting
“Could you pour me a cup of coffee?” Requesting for Items/Activities
Communication provides an opportunity for connection. Nearly every time we communicate, there is a functional purpose behind our words. Here are several functions of communication, three of them we already mentioned above. Let’s learn a bit more.
Requesting for Items/Activities:
When a child makes a request for an item or activity, they are looking for support from an adult or another peer to grant them access to something they desire. This could be requesting a favorite board game, a snack from the kitchen, or an activity like hide-and-seek.
Non-vocal example:
A child may hold your hand and pull you toward the light switch to request that you turn the lights on or off.
Vocal example:
A child may state, “Juice” to communicate that they are thirsty.
Requesting Attention:
While this function is similar to requesting for items/activities, it does have a significant difference. Typically, requesting attention is rooted in a desire for a social or emotional interaction and not in gaining access to a specific item or activity.
Non-vocal example:
A child may touch your cheeks and turn your head to gaze into your eyes, seeking connection.
Vocal example:
A child may call your name to gain your attention.
Protesting or Refusal:
This is one of the most important functions of communication. Children need a way to say “no.” This is a very important skill to possess that can support safety, emotional regulation, and self-advocacy.
Non-vocal example:
A child may cry and push a toy off of the table.
Vocal example:
A child may state, “I don’t want to do this.”
Labeling and Describing:
As a child grows their language, they develop an ability to name items, and eventually describe them in more detail. This is a foundation for more advanced and specific language required for social interactions.
Non-vocal example:
A child may use their speech-generating device to label the animals within a toy barn.
Vocal example:
An infant may see their brother walk by them and exclaim, “Brother!”
Commenting:
Commenting involves making a statement that may not require a response from others. However, different from labeling/describing, commenting may be more subjective as a way of sharing unique and personal thoughts.
Non-vocal example:
A child points to the visual icon “fun” to express delight with a game.
Vocal example:
A child may comment, “yummy” after they try a new food.
Asking and Answering Questions:
This is another important function that supports social engagement. These can be as simple as yes/no questions or as elaborate as open-ended questions!
Non-vocal example:
A child shakes their head, “no” when asked if they want to go inside from the playground.
Vocal example:
A child asks “Can we go out to the playground now?”
Some sources may mention additional types of communication, but the main takeaway is that ALL communication -whether it be through spoken words, facial expressions, body language, or any other way of communicating has a functional purpose. At Good Nature Therapy Services, our speech-language pathologists utilize our indoor and outdoor spaces to provide a multi-sensory environment that encourages use of a variety of these communication functions within a speech-language therapy session. For example, during therapy a child may request “more” swinging on the tree hammocks, they may refuse to get dirty in the mud kitchen, they may describe how their body feels as they climb over a fallen log.
If you suspect that your child is struggling with communication and language skills, like some of the skills mentioned above, we invite you to explore how our speech-language therapy services can benefit your child.
We would love to work alongside your family, growing your child’s language skills one nature-filled adventure at a time. Get in touch for more information or to start our speech therapy services.
