Foundational Communication Skills
3-7 years
ABA
1. Requesting an Item
Encourage child to use simple requests for a favorite item
2-3 times daily
3-8 years
Visual Supports
5. Visual Choice
Allow child to communicate choices using pictures
Multiple times daily
4-12 years
PECS
9. Functional Communication
Enable non-verbal requests for basic needs (bathroom, drink, help)
Throughout the day as needed
4-10 years
Visual Supports
13. Using a Wait Card
Teach child patience and waiting for a short period
As needed
4-8 years
ABA
17. Two-Step Directions
Improve receptive language by following two-step instructions
Daily in natural contexts
4-10 years
TEACCH
2. First/Then Schedule
Enhance sequencing and instruction-following skills
Multiple times a day
3-6 years
ABA
6. Labeling Objects
Increase vocabulary by identifying everyday items
5-10 minutes daily
5-10 years
TEACCH
10. Story Sequencing
Improve understanding of story order and narrative structure
2-3 times weekly
3-8 years
ABA
14. Yes/No Questions
Teach child to respond appropriately to yes/no questions
Daily in natural settings
4-12 years
TEACCH
18. Daily Picture Schedule
Provide a visual representation of the day�s tasks
Use every morning
3-8 years
PECS
3. Initiating Requests
Teach child to initiate requests using picture exchange
Few short sessions daily
3-6 years
TEACCH
7. Color & Shape Matching
Improve visual discrimination and basic vocabulary (colors/shapes)
Few short sessions weekly
6-12 years
ABA
11. Turn-Taking in Conversation
Improve social reciprocity and waiting to speak
Daily short practice
3-8 years
Social Story
15. Saying Hello
Teach child to greet others verbally and/or by waving
Daily practice
5-12 years
Social Stories
19. Greeting Scripts
Provide a memorized script for common social interactions
Before social situations
4-10 years
Social Story
4. Morning Routine
Help child understand and anticipate morning routine steps
Before morning routine
4-10 years
PECS/Social Stories
8. Recognizing Emotions
Help child identify basic emotions (happy, sad, angry)
2-3 times per week
4-8 years
ABA
12. Functional Verbs
Teach child to understand and use common action words
2-3 times weekly
5-12 years
PECS
16. Asking for Break
Teach child to request a short break from activities
As needed
4-10 years
PECS, ABA
20. Asking for Help
Teach child to request assistance using words or picture cards