Encouraging Spontaneous Communication: 6 tips
Angela Khater, MA, BCBA, LBA
Today I want to talk about something that’s at the heart of what we do in ABA therapy, encouraging our kiddos to communicate on their own terms.
We’ve all been there, working with a child who can repeat words perfectly when prompted, but rarely initiates communication independently. It’s like having all the tools but not knowing when to use them. So how do we bridge that gap? Let’s dive in!
What Is Spontaneous Communication Anyway?
Simply put, spontaneous communication happens when a child initiates interaction without being prompted. It’s them requesting a snack because they’re hungry, not because we asked “What do you want?” It’s them pointing out a dog at the park because they’re excited, not because we said “What do you see?”
These moments are worth their weight in gold because they show that communication has real meaning and purpose for the child.
Why It Matters
When kids communicate spontaneously:
They’re more likely to generalize skills across settings
They develop a genuine understanding of language as a tool
They experience the natural rewards of successful communication
Their independence and self-advocacy skills grow
Tips to Encourage More Spontaneous Communication
1. Create Communication Temptations
Set up the environment to motivate communication. Put favorite toys in sight but out of reach. Give small portions so they need to ask for more. “Forget” essential items for activities. The idea is to create genuine reasons to communicate.
2. Wait, Wait, and Wait Some More
This one’s tough! But giving kids that extra processing time before jumping in with prompts can make all the difference. Count to 10 in your head before providing help or a prompt.
3. Follow Their Lead
Notice what interests them and join in. When we follow their attention and motivation, communication becomes more meaningful and therefore more likely to occur spontaneously.
4. Reduce Prompting Over Time
If we’re always asking “What do you want?” kids learn to wait for that cue. Work on fading prompts by using less direct cues like expectant waiting or just looking at the item.
5. Make Communication Worth It
Ensure that spontaneous attempts (even imperfect ones) get big reactions! If a child makes any attempt to initiate, respond quickly and enthusiastically. Show them that speaking up works better than waiting to be prompted.
6. Create Routines with Communication Opportunities
Predictable routines with built-in communication opportunities help kids anticipate when they can initiate. Over time, these planned opportunities lead to more natural, unplanned ones.
Real Talk
Progress with spontaneous communication doesn’t happen overnight. There will be days when it feels like we’re taking steps backward. That’s normal! What matters is consistency and celebration of every small win along the way.
Remember that for our kids, initiating communication often means taking a risk. Our job is to make that risk feel worth taking, again and again, until it becomes second nature.