Helping your child communicate

This page brings together NHS and specialist videos to help parents and carers support their child's communication and understanding. The resources cover early signs that a child may communicate differently, practical ways to encourage communication, and strategies such as using pictures, symbols, visual supports and social stories. They also include guidance on supporting autistic children and young people, helping families better understand communication needs and build confidence in everyday interactions.

Getting started

Please browse the following videos and choose the video that best fits your child’s age and the information you need.

Using pictures and visual information

The following set of videos explain ways to use visual information to support understanding, social situations and changes between activities.

This 50-minute video covers several topics, including sensory experiences, listening, understanding, conversation and communication support. To watch this video, please visit: Vimeo - Understanding communication in autistic children and young people (NHS CAMHS)

The following time guide can help you find the most useful part.

0:00 — Introduction
5:32 — Sensory influences on communication
17:25 — Listening, processing and understanding
27:33 — Active listening
30:14 — Ways, reasons and opportunities to communicate
37:26 — Conversation
45:20 — Strategies, speech and language therapy, and resources

Getting started

My child communicates differently

Helping a younger child communicate

Helping an older child communicate

Using pictures and visual information

Using pictures and symbols with your child

Using visual information with older children

Using drawings and stories to explain social situations

Using visual timers when changing activities

Using a red cross to show that something is unavailable

Understanding communication in autistic children and young people