Play-Based Language & Social Communication Support

Occupational therapy can help children develop early communication and social skills through play. This is not speech therapy, but OTs focus on creating opportunities for children to interact, express themselves, and participate socially.

Key Areas of Focus:

• Joint Attention: Encouraging the child to notice, share, and respond to the same object or activity as another person

• Communicative Play: Using play to model requests, turn-taking, and problem-solving

• Gestures and Nonverbal Communication: Supporting pointing, showing, and other gestures that help children express needs and ideas

• Peer Interactions: Guiding play with peers to practise sharing, taking turns, and cooperative activities

• Pragmatic Language Routines: Helping children understand the “rules” of conversation, including greetings, asking for help, or responding appropriately

How OT supports technology use:

• Typing and keyboard skills: Building speed, accuracy, and ergonomics for schoolwork

• Device use for learning: Helping children navigate tablets, laptops, or assistive technology for academic tasks

• Digital organisation: Using calendars, reminders, and digital planners to support executive functioning

• Online safety and digital citizenship: Teaching safe online behaviour, appropriate communication, and strategies to ask for help

• Access and accommodation: Assessing needs for adaptive keyboards, speech-to-text, or other tools to support participation

Red Flags for Parents:

• Struggles to type or navigate devices independently

• Becomes frustrated with digital tasks

• Difficulty using technology to support learning or organisation

• Safety risks online or not understanding rules of digital interactions

How this skill can look at home, school, or in the community:

• Home: Completing homework digitally, using online resources safely, practicing typing or coding

• School: Using devices for research, assignments, or collaborative work, accessing assistive technology where required

• Community: Engaging with online hobbies, virtual clubs, or safe social interactions

Example:

A 14-year-old was slow and frustrated when completing homework on a laptop. OT introduced typing practice, visual step-by-step instructions, and strategies for organising files and assignments. Over time, the child was able to complete tasks more efficiently, access digital resources independently, and use reminders to stay on track with schoolwork.