There is a long wait for assessment, but there are lots of things that you can do as a parent or nursery to support a child’s communication development during this time.
If you would like any resources mentioned in the following videos, please contact us to request these.
Communication in autistic children
Supporting communication
Playing together to develop communication
Using visuals in communication
Screentime
We would strongly recommend that you try to reduce the amount of screen time that your child has access to on phones, tablets and the TV so that they have increased opportunities to hear language and engage in meaningful interactions.
We have developed a leaflet explaining the links with screen time to language development, attention and behaviour in young children.
Screen time patient information leafletPre-school assessments
If your child has been referred for a pre-school autism assessment you may find this video and leaflet useful in knowing what to expect at your appointment.
Autism diagnostic assessment leaflet
Support with other areas of development
Your child may have difficulties in other areas of their development like sleeping, eating or behaviour. You can chat to your child’s health visitor about this or you can find more information this Youtube account.
We also have advice on supporting early communication, attention and language development on our speech and language pages.
