Atypical Development of Communication

Early childhood educators are often instrumental in identifying when children are having trouble developing communication skills. Not only do they work with children in the early years but they also have ample opportunities to observe children in a variety of activities and situations. The relationships they form with parents enable frank and supportive conversations about their children. So it is so important that you as an early educator have information about development that is different from what is expected.

In this course you will explore what 'atypical' is when it comes to the development of communication and why it is so important to identify. We will discuss how culture and 'common knowledge' impacts what we think about communication development. We will also discuss the multitude of labels around communication development and what you really need to know about the different labels and diagnoses that you might come across. You will have time to reflect on the reasons that some children develop differently. You will learn some different resources you can use to screen children's communication skills and how to discuss your observations with their parents including the pathways you can suggest to them for referral and assessment.