This is not a crutch but a precursor to speech. You could also say “Use your words”. Singing is a good thing as many children will learn the songs. Sing with them and do little movements that go along with the song. Play the same CD everyday. I had a severely autistic child in my K class this year and by January he could sing all the words of one song. Sing the alphabet song to introduce the letters. Blow bubbles with them and do a sound like OHHHHHH while you blow – ask them to do the same. Go on the web and type in “activities for preschool developmentally delayed children”

The best thing to do is just talk to them and give them plenty of “wait” time to respond (at least 4 minutes wait and then offer them some options)– sometimes they just need time to think about the words…. Good luck.

You can either start small and work your way big with choices and activities, or you can start big and work your way down. I would suggest small and go big. Always think the best and believe the best in each child. They can do things, you just need to believe and have faith. Remember they will not be able to do things to the level we often think as acceptable or normal, but things can happen. Good Luck with it all!!!

Try the site childdevelopmentinfo.com. It has some pretty good sites.