Demonstrate word recognition.

Once an individual has mastered prereading skills, he can move on to reading and writing words. For someone who is nonverbal, being able to read and recognize words is the next step in communicating beyond an icon/picture–based communication system. For someone who has learning challenges, using a visual-based system for learning to read may be an alternative to teaching phonics.

VizZle (www.monarchteachtech.com) offers word-to-picture matching activities that teach word recognition. This website requires a yearly subscription, but there is a 14-day free trial. On the website, use “search the subscriber library” for word to picture matching.

Begin with words that are most meaningful for the child (e.g., the child’s name, basic wants and needs, yes/no, family members, preferred activities, foods). Other things to consider: is the child recognizing words in other contexts such as books, signs, magazines, etc.? Can he/she make the connection with the word and real life or is the word “tied” to the picture card/activity? Is he/she appropriately choosing specific words to communicate (i.e., requesting an item or action, communicating basic wants and needs)? A low-tech option involves using picture cards or photos.

One way to track progress is to note which words your child can consistently recognize.