Understanding Communication in Neurodivergent Toddlers and Young Children

Every child develops at their own pace, and this includes communication skills. However, parents of neurodivergent children may find themselves with additional questions about communication milestones. 

Here's a look at some key points to consider:

Neurodiversity and Communication

Neurodiversity refers to the idea that variations in brain function and nervous system wiring are natural.  Some common diagnosis associated with neurodivergence include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and dyslexia.

Children with these diagnosis may communicate differently from their neurotypical peers. This doesn't mean their communication is delayed or abnormal; it simply means it may not follow a typical path.

Communication Milestones

Here's a general guideline for communication development in toddlers and young children. Keep in mind that these are broad strokes, and it's important to focus on your child's individual progress:

 * 12-18 months: Uses gestures, babbles, and perhaps a few words to communicate.

 * 18-24 months: Starts combining words into short phrases.

 * 2-3 years: Uses simple sentences, asks questions, and understands basic instructions.

 * 3-4 years: Engages in conversations, asks "why" questions, and uses more complex sentences.

Characteristics of Neurodivergence

If your child's communication looks different than what is outlined above, here are some characteristics that may describe your child:

• By 12 months - moves around the room quietly with little to no babbling or vocalization 

• By 14 months - needs tapping/ touching and face-to-face interactions to respond to their name 

• By 18 months - places their body next to what they want instead of using gestures/pointing/eye gaze to communicate what they want to caregivers 

• By 2 years - leads caregiver by the hand to what they want or need, instead of using 2-word phrases 

• By 2 years - needs tapping/ touching, along with pictures or pointing understand simple instructions 

Supporting Communication

The most important thing is to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment that encourages communication. Here are some tips:

 * Follow your child's lead: This cannot be stressed enough! Pay attention to their interests and use them as a springboard for communication.

 * Focus on nonverbal cues: Pay attention to gestures and facial expressions to understand their needs.

 * Model clear communication: Speak slowly and clearly, using simple language and gestures.

 * Narrate your day: Talk about what you're doing throughout the day to help them learn new words and concepts.

 * Read together: Reading exposes children to new vocabulary and sentence structures in a fun and interactive way.

 * Seek professional support: If you have concerns, don't hesitate to talk to your child's doctor or a speech-language pathologist.

Remember

Every child develops at their own pace, and communication is just one piece of the puzzle. If you have concerns or need strategies, seek out early intervention and celebrate your child's unique strengths and communication style.

Photo credit: hechingerreport.org