How Play Helps with Social Communication in Nonverbal or Minimally Verbal Children

Featuring Jaxon’s story and the role of our domestic helper

When your child doesn’t speak—or speaks very little—every smile, every glance, every action feels like a treasure. My son, Jaxon, is turning four in 10 days. He’s nonverbal, with global developmental delay and sensory processing disorder. Like many parents of children with similar needs, social communication in nonverbal children was (and still is) one of my biggest concerns. How will he express his wants? How will he connect with others? How can we make sure he’s understood?

The answer, as I’ve learned, often starts with something simple yet powerful: PLAY.

Play as a communication bridge

For children like Jaxon, traditional forms of communication—words and sentences—may not come easily or early. But communication is so much more than speech. It’s gestures, eye contact, facial expressions, body language, and yes, play.

Through play, Jaxon has learned to interact with the world in his own way. He takes my hand when he wants bubbles. He giggles when he wants to continue a tickle game. He gives a side glance when he’s being cheeky. These are not just adorable moments—they’re genuine efforts at connection. And they matter.

Meet Jaxon—proof that learning can be joyful, one picture card at a time!

Our domestic helper’s role in this journey

When I’m at work, my domestic helper steps in as Jaxon’s play partner. She didn’t come with experience working with children with special needs, but with our caregivers training, observation, and a lot of heart, she began to understand how to follow Jaxon’s lead in play.

Some days, they roll cars back and forth—building turn-taking. Other days, they sort coloured dinosaurs and ABCs, one of Jaxon’s favourite activities. And of course, bubble play is always a hit. (Water play? Not so much—Jaxon makes his preferences very clear!)

One of the biggest shifts I noticed was how she learned to wait—to give Jaxon space to initiate, to gesture, to respond. Knowing that someone is engaging him in this way when I can’t be there gives me peace of mind. It’s more than babysitting—it’s active support for his development.

What parents and caregivers need to know

You don’t need fancy toys to support social communication through play. What’s most important is presence—tuning in to your child’s interests and allowing them to take the lead. The goal isn't to "make them talk," but to build a shared experience where communication—of any kind—is encouraged and celebrated.

Start small. Copy their actions. Wait for them to respond. Acknowledge their cues. Celebrate their attempts, no matter how subtle. This kind of intentional, responsive play is how connections are built.

Every play moment counts

Jaxon may not speak yet, but he has a lot to say. And every day, through play, he tells us a little more. For nonverbal or minimally verbal children, play isn’t just fun—it’s a language. And when caregivers learn to speak that language, the impact is lifelong.

Every small step is a big win, and with patience, love, and the right support, our little ones shine in their own unique ways.

Looking to support your domestic helper with the right tools and mindset?

Our Special Needs Caregivers Workshop equips helpers with practical skills and compassionate understanding—so your child gets more than just care; they get connection. Reach out to us to learn more.