How To Communicate With Non-verbal Children During Meal Time

From Monica Pujol-Nassif at TeachStone:

"Children who are nonverbal are always communicating with us. In fact, according to Dr. Mehrabian, 93% of our communication is nonverbal in nature. Yet, just because children who are nonverbal might not be speaking to us, educators can still have a reciprocal interaction.  Try focusing on their facial expressions, following their gaze, and looking at what they pointing to. Interpret their input, and check for confirmation. Facilitate technological devices and apps that speak for them, and make available visuals they can use to show us what they want, think, need, fear, or are interested in. Lunchtime might post a more challenging time to incorporate these ideas. Here are some additional ways to support nonverbal communication during mealtimes."