What?

Nonverbal language, also called nonsymbolic or gesture system, includes facial expression, hand gestures such as sign language, body movements, and physical touch.

When?

When individuals have a combination of severe handicaps and a lack of verbal language, they need nonverbal language.

Where?

The development of language and symbols to be taught to the child must match learned concepts drawn from his/her natural environment. Language does not exist as an end in itself, but as a means to achieve a specific communicative function.

How?

Generally, we can combine sign language, picture exchange system, communication boards, and oral elements to maximize communication behaviors. We must capitalize on the child’s intent to communicate in the appropriate environment what he or she already knows but also generalize the behavior when appropriate to other situations.

Why?

Teaching nonverbal language to maximizes the student’s functional communication