Pardon the Interruption Enhancing Communication Skills for Students With Intellectual Disability

Consider a student like Carina, whose parents and teachers want to encourage her to communicate her wants and needs more frequently. In class, preparing her favorite sandwich-peanut butter and jelly-becomes the gateway to better communication. And take a look at Mateusz who struggled with off-task behavior. His teacher and his parents worked together to increase his verbal communication through his love for working with scissors and glue. For another student who would benefit personally from more peer interaction, a teacher or parent can use the simple steps involved in playing a game of "Go Fish" to teach communication. Working with students' natural motivation and rewards can boost needed communication skills.