Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Waiting can be a simple but powerful communication strategy. By pausing and giving your child time to respond, you create more opportunities for them to initiate, communicate and take an active role in the interaction.
Children communicate in many different ways, including facial expressions, body language, gestures, sounds, words and sentences. Some communication attempts can be subtle, especially for children who use few spoken words or need more time to process what has been said.
When adults slow down and wait, children have more time to notice, process and respond. This can support communication, shared attention and participation in everyday interactions.
How can I use waiting to support communication?
Using waiting effectively is about creating space for your child to communicate rather than rushing to fill every pause.
Try these simple strategies:
- pause after asking a question or making a comment
- give your child a few extra seconds to process and respond
- position yourself so your child can easily see your face and gestures
- watch for small communication attempts, such as looking, pointing, reaching, vocalising or using words
- respond positively when your child communicates, even if their response is brief
- avoid asking too many questions in quick succession
- use everyday routines, play and shared activities as natural opportunities to practise waiting.
The goal is not to pressure your child to respond. Instead, waiting gives them more time and opportunity to communicate in a way that feels manageable for them.
What am I waiting for?
Your child may communicate using facial expressions, body movements, gestures, actions or sounds. They may also communicate using spoken words or sentences.
Sometimes you can create natural opportunities to practise waiting.
Pause during a favourite activity. For example, blow some bubbles, stop and wait to see whether your child looks, gestures, vocalises, uses a word or communicates that they would like more.
Offer part of an activity, then wait. For example, give your child one puzzle piece or one part of a toy and pause before offering the next piece. Watch for any attempt to communicate before continuing.
Offering a little…then wait. For example: Pour only a little water in your child’s bottle or cup and wait until they drink it all…then wait.
What Might I Notice When I Use Waiting?
Every child communicates differently, so responses will vary.
By creating more time and space for communication, you may notice your child:
- initiating interactions more often
- using gestures, sounds, words or other forms of communication
- taking a more active role in interactions
- responding after having additional time to process language
- participating in longer back-and-forth interactions.
Waiting does not mean pressuring your child to respond. The aim is to create an opportunity, notice their communication and respond naturally.
How can a Speech Pathologist help?
A Speech Pathologist can help identify how your child communicates and whether they may benefit from support with speech, language, social communication or functional communication.
Therapy may focus on helping your child:
- initiate communication more often
- understand and use language
- take turns in interactions
- use gestures, sounds, words or sentences to communicate
- build confidence during everyday conversations and play
- use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), where appropriate.
Speech Pathologists can also coach parents and carers in practical strategies such as waiting, commenting, modelling language and following the child’s interests. These strategies can be used during play, mealtimes, getting dressed and other everyday routines.
The aim is to create more natural opportunities for communication without placing unnecessary pressure on the child to respond.
Need support with your child’s communication?
If you have concerns about your child’s speech, language or communication, Innerlink Therapy can help.
Our Speech Pathologists work with children and families to identify individual communication needs and develop practical strategies that can be used during play, daily routines and everyday interactions.
Contact Innerlink Therapy to discuss your child’s communication needs, assessment options and available Speech Pathology services.
Frequently asked questions about using waiting to support communication
Why does waiting help children communicate? Waiting gives children extra time to process what has been said, organise a response and decide how they want to communicate. This can create more opportunities for gestures, sounds, words, sentences or other communication attempts.
How long should I wait for my child to respond? There is no exact amount of time that suits every child. A short pause of several seconds can often be helpful, particularly for children who need more time to process language. The important thing is to avoid rushing in too quickly with another question or instruction.
Should I keep asking questions while I wait? Usually, fewer questions are better. Too many questions in quick succession can increase pressure. Try combining waiting with comments, gestures and simple language so the interaction feels natural rather than like a test.
What if my child does not use spoken words? Waiting can still be useful. Communication may include eye gaze, gestures, pointing, facial expressions, sounds, signs or Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Responding to these attempts helps show your child that their communication is meaningful.
When should I speak to a Speech Pathologist? Consider speaking with a Speech Pathologist if you are concerned about your child’s speech, language, understanding, social communication or ability to communicate their needs. A Speech Pathologist can assess your child’s communication and recommend individualised strategies where appropriate.