Safety on a Dial: Helping Your Non-Verbal Child Learn Their Phone Number

 

Ever felt that sinking fear that your non-verbal child might get lost, wander off, or be unable to find their way back home? How will they communicate their home phone number or know who to call in that situation? That worry has been a constant for me when it comes to Ash. How do we ensure he can find his safe place—his way home—if he ever gets lost?

For non-verbal children, the ability to communicate critical information like a phone number can be a lifesaver. It’s not just about memorizing numbers; it’s about embedding that information deeply enough that they can recall it when it matters most.

Visual Tools and Repetition:

I’ve always been a big believer in visuals. High-tech and low-tech communication devices like PECS, flashcards, pictures, and AAC devices are powerful tools that can make a world of difference. But one key element that ties everything together is repetition. Consistent and positive reinforcement is essential, and interactive tools like workbooks are incredibly effective in this process.

The Real Phone Method:

Let me share one specific technique that made all the difference for Ash: using a real phone to teach our home phone number.

1. Writing and Visuals:

We started by writing Ash’s phone number in large, clear digits on a whiteboard. We associated each number with a visual cue, like a picture or a small routine, to help him connect the numbers to something concrete.

2. Hands-On Practice:

Using our home phone, we practiced dialing his number together. I showed him how to press each digit, emphasizing the sequence. This hands-on experience was crucial because it made the phone number real and functional, not just a series of abstract numbers.

3. Repetition and Routine:

We turned this into a daily activity. Each day, we’d practice dialing the number, reinforcing the connection between the digits and the act of calling. We used this routine to build familiarity and confidence in Ash’s ability to use a phone.

4. Calling a Trusted Contact:

To make the exercise even more meaningful, we practiced calling a trusted family member or friend. Ash learned that dialing those numbers led to hearing a familiar voice on the other end, making the process more engaging and rewarding for him.

5. Emergency Practice:

We also integrated this practice into scenarios where Ash might need to use his phone number in an emergency. We’d simulate situations where he’d need to call home or a trusted contact, reinforcing the importance of knowing his number.

PECS and AAC: Key Tools in Non-Verbal Communication 

While the real phone method was essential in teaching Ash his phone number, tools like PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) and AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices also played a significant role in his overall communication development. We used PECS by including pictures of a phone and Ash’s trusted contacts in his communication book, and we programmed our home phone number into his AAC device so he could press a button to say it. You can integrate PECS and AAC just like we did with Ash, but remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Adaptability is key—use whichever tool your child gravitates toward and feels most comfortable with.

The Result: Peace of Mind:

By using a real phone and reinforcing the practice daily, Ash now has the confidence and ability to communicate his phone number if needed. This method didn’t just teach him a sequence of digits—it gave us peace of mind, knowing he has a tangible, practical way to find his way home if he ever needs it.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and teaching your child these critical skills doesn’t happen overnight. But with just 10 minutes each day, you can make a world of difference in helping them navigate their way to safety and independence.

Bright Wishes,

AuBright Team