Whenever you are in contact with another person you are sending them messages of one kind or another. It is impossible not to communicate. 

Expressive and Receptive charts by age groups:

General Principles: Communication develops best when we are actively engaged with people, objects, and activities in our environment. A language learning environment is rich with opportunities for both receiving and expressing information about our surroundings. 

1. PAY ATTENTION!!! Look, listen; wait until the person is finished.
2. Encourage the person to initiate communication and to meaningfully indicate their needs, desires, thoughts, and ideas.
3. TALK!! Whether or not the person is verbal.

When communicating with parents of children with special needs, it is important to consider the possibility that they are grieving.

• American Manual Alphabet Chart
• Numbers from 1-10 Chart
• Resources/References for Communication Module