Implementing the effective use of the following symbols will greatly assist with reducing the frustration involved in completing difficult learning tasks. For those children who can initiate communication and who can point it is important to provide them with access to numerous activity-based communication displays, each reflecting a concentrated array of messages with true potential for frequent, interactive and generative use. In order to provide cues for joint attention consider putting your hand over the child's hand as the child points to symbols. The following is a sample of a task specific communication display for playing with bubbles. A retrieval system is a set of symbols, words or sentences that the child can use to retrieve and organize their language.
Children typically look at the symbols and words and cue themselves from the display.
The following is a retrieval system that a seven year old uses to make choices. I need to go to the bathroom. I want to play with the train set. I want to read a book. I want to play a game.