What Happens Without Communication?    

Without the ability for a child to communicate fully or to understand what is happening in their day, a child can feel completely out of control, lonely and helpless. This can lead to regression, aggression, frustration, and behavioural expression (I.e. hitting, biting, pushing, etc.).   

Lack of understanding leads to low self-esteem and a child's inability to participate or feel competent within their classroom environment.  In short, the inability to communicate hinders a child's development, social skills, and abilities to learn (Hanline, Nunes, & Brandy Worthy, 2007). This is why it is so important to identify children such as Sofia who may need support communicating in a non-verbal manner.