Improving Communication Skills Through ABA Therapy

How Carelinks ABA Helps Children Find Their Voice and Be Understood

Communication is at the heart of connection. It allows a child to express needs, share emotions, build relationships, and move through the world with greater confidence. For many children with autism, communication can look different. Some children may be nonverbal, others may use limited words, gestures, or communication devices, and some may struggle to use language in social ways.

At Carelinks ABA, we believe that with the right planning, consistent effort, and the focused support of our amazing team, every child can develop meaningful communication skills in the way that works best for them.

What Do Communication Skills Include?

Communication goes far beyond spoken words. It includes:

• Requesting wants and needs

• Making choices

• Expressing emotions

• Using gestures or signs

• Pointing and showing

• Using pictures or communication devices

• Answering questions

• Engaging in back-and-forth interaction

Every form of communication matters. If a child can communicate in any way, they deserve to be understood and supported.

Why Communication Can Be Challenging for Children with Autism

Children with autism may experience communication challenges such as:

• Limited spoken language

• Difficulty initiating communication

• Trouble expressing wants or discomfort

• Frustration when not understood

• Difficulty using language socially

• Reliance on behaviors to communicate needs

When communication is difficult, challenging behaviors often increase. This is not because the child is misbehaving, but because they are struggling to be understood.

How ABA Therapy Supports Communication Development

ABA therapy focuses on teaching functional communication, meaning communication that helps a child clearly express what they want, need, feel, or think.

ABA helps by:

• Teaching children how to request what they want

• Strengthening gestures, signs, or picture-based communication

• Supporting spoken language when appropriate

• Teaching children how to ask for help

• Reducing challenging behaviors by replacing them with communication

• Practicing communication across many environments

Communication is taught in a positive, motivating way that respects each child’s pace and abilities.

How Carelinks ABA Teaches Communication in Real Life

At Carelinks ABA, communication is taught in real, meaningful moments, not just during structured activities. Because we provide in-home and community-based ABA therapy, children learn communication skills where they naturally happen.

Our therapists work on:

• Requesting food during meals

• Asking for toys during play

• Communicating needs during dressing and hygiene

• Making choices during daily routines

• Expressing discomfort or preferences

We also teach parents how to recognize and respond to early communication attempts so children feel successful and motivated to keep trying.

Supporting All Forms of Communication

At Carelinks ABA, we believe that spoken language is not the only valid form of communication. We fully support:

• Picture-based communication systems

• Gestures and signs

• Communication devices

• Any method that allows a child to be understood

Our goal is not to force a specific outcome, but to give every child access to communication in the way that works best for them.

What Progress in Communication Can Look Like

Every child’s communication journey is unique, but families often see progress such as:

• Fewer tantrums related to frustration

• More frequent attempts to communicate

• Increased use of words, signs, or pictures

• Greater ability to make choices

• Improved interaction with family and peers

• More confidence expressing needs

These changes can dramatically improve a child’s independence, emotional well-being, and family life.

Helpful Resources for Parents

Here are trusted resources that offer more information on communication and alternative communication methods:

• PrAACtical AAC – Communication Support https://praacticalaac.org

• Autism Speaks – Communication Toolkit https://www.autismspeaks.org

• CDC – Communication Development https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment

How Carelinks ABA Can Support Your Child’s Communication Journey

At Carelinks ABA, we believe every child deserves to be heard, understood, and empowered. With thoughtful planning, consistent practice, and the care of a compassionate ABA team, your child can build the communication skills they need to connect with the world around them.