Using any of these strategies, once your child has initiated interest in the item (looking at it, moving toward it, reaching for it, taking you to it), PAUSE and WAIT.  DO NOT immediately prompt (Do not ask “what do you want?” or “Say ______”) a response from your child as this will likely result in imitation, direction following, or question responding.  Waiting will enhance the likelihood that your child will spontaneously communicate with you!!  Wait at least five seconds with an expectant look, raised shoulders, raised eyebrows, and then if your child has not responded, provide subtle prompts.  These could include gesturing to his/her communication book, saying the initial sound of the word, or having a second person MODEL the response.  Another technique is to say a “carrier phrase”.  For example, slowly saying to your child “I want” and then pause expectantly after saying “want” and wait for your child to “fill in the blank”.

1.     Make favorite items inaccessible:  Place your child's favorite items out of reach but within view.  Put the item on a high shelf, on a counter top, in clear containers with tight lids, etc.  Don't automatically offer items.

2.     Give small portions:  At meals or at snack time, offer bite-sized or small portions.  Cut up a sandwich and give only part of it at a time.  Put one or two swallows of a drink in a cup at a time.  Help your child to understand that more is available by giving subtle cues such as saying, “We have more juice,” or by showing the food/drink item.

3.     Consume a portion of a favorite food/drink in front of your child:  In view of your child, eat or drink a portion of the item she really wants.  Show your extreme pleasure at being able to consume the item (“Boy is this JUICE good!!!”)

4.     Create the need for assistance:  Give your child access to a favorite item that he/she needs your assistance to enjoy.  Encourage your child to seek assistance from you to wind the toy, turn on the TV, radio, tape recorder, or open a container, etc.

5.     Interrupt a favorite cooperative activity:  Begin a favorite activity that you and your child both participate in.  Once you are both enjoying yourselves, stop the activity and encourage your child to signal to you that he/she wants to continue.  For example, while pushing your child on the swing, stop her/him in mid-air.

6.     Offer your child something that he/she does not like:  Offer your child a non-preferred item/activity and encourage him/her to tell you “no” in an appropriate way.

7.     Offer a choice:  Hold out two favorite items and say nothing.  Expect the child to let you know which one he/she wants.