When Words Don’t Come Easy: ABA Communication Strategies

ABA Communication Challenges & Strategies for YOU!
💬 Helping Your SuperKiddo Find Their Voice
💙 Understanding the Struggle

One of the most common and emotional challenges parents of children with autism face is communication. Whether your child is non-verbal, has delayed speech, or struggles with social language, watching them try to express themselves can feel heartbreaking, and overwhelming.

But you’re not alone.
And most importantly, there is support, hope, and progress ahead.

In ABA Therapy (Applied Behavior Analysis), we don’t just focus on “teaching words.” We focus on teaching communication. In whatever form is most effective for your child.

According to the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network, around 25–30% of children with autism are minimally verbal or non-verbal (CDC Report).

But with the right strategies and support, many children develop effective ways to communicate, with or without spoken language.

🛠️ ABA Strategies to Support Communication at Home

Here are some practical ABA-based tips that you can try with your SuperKiddo, in collaboration with your therapy team:

1. Use Visual Supports
   Picture exchange systems (like PECS), visual schedules, and choice boards give your child a voice before they can speak. They reduce frustration and build independence.
2. Model Functional Language
   Instead of asking too many questions, model useful phrases:
   Instead of “Do you want juice?” → say “I want juice” and gesture.
   This builds requesting skills and encourages imitation.
3. Reinforce All Communication Attempts
   Whether your child signs, points, uses a device, or vocalizes… celebrate it! Let them know their voice matters, in any form.
4. Create Motivation to Communicate
   Find what lights them up: bubbles, snacks, music. Use those moments to pause and wait, encouraging them to ask or signal before getting the item.
5. Be Patient With Progress
   Communication doesn’t happen overnight. Progress is sometimes quiet, subtle, or slow — but it’s still progress. Trust the process, and keep showing up.

Remember: Communication Is More Than Words

Your SuperKiddo may not speak in full sentences — yet. But they are always communicating: through behavior, movement, facial expressions, or sounds.

At SuperKids, we work hand-in-hand with Super Parents to turn these small signals into meaningful interactions, building confidence and connection.

Want to Learn More About ABA Therapy?

If your child is facing communication challenges, we’d love to help.

Contact us to learn more about our personalized ABA Therapy Services and how we can support your family’s journey. 💙

Together, we make it better! ✨