The learning of communicative behaviours in non-verbal children

Abstract

Based on the model of normal communicative development and a pragmatic approach to language, alternative and/or augmentative communication methods are briefly examined, with particular attention to total communication procedures used for populations with severe language impairments.
After analysing the components of language and reviewing aspects related to the development of intentional communication, an intervention programme for language rehabilitation in non-verbal children is proposed: B. Schaeffer’s total communication system.