I started talking two years ago and i haven't stopped yet. I describe, like narrate EVERY move I make. "I am peeling you an apple" etc. I speak clearly and simply. If he hands me something I identify it. He is speaking in full sentences now.

Visual learning. I cant stress this enough.

Pair words with flash cards, pictures or items. Do you want juice or milk. Hold up the juice and milk cartons.

Use books. Read the same book over and over. Master one skill at a time 1. Point to the picture as you say the word. 2. Hand over hand your child pointing to the pictures as you say the word. 3. Have your child point to the picture on his own while you say wheres the ball? 4. You point to the picture and say what this?

Start small. Teach words, then phrases, then answering questions.

Ask questions to your child and model the answer.

Talk to him as if he is answering you. Do you want to go outside? Yes. Ok lets go.

This is when animal sounds and imitating are great!! Like someone said above talking to your child about everything, reading books, and having them have to ask for things!! My sons 10 and his vocabulary is still mostly unrecognizable (part of it is his severe dysprexia) but when we go to say the store I have him help with the list...I say the word and then he tries to repeat it! At home we read together...I point to a word, he tries to say it, I say it and then we break it down til it comes out correctly. When he was younger we played "what sound does that make" games or I'd say the alphabet (A says...Ahh) and he would say the sound with help! It's a gradual process for sure. :)

I use PECs, Signs, songs/music, apps and talking to them just like they are 10 and 12. No baby talk, ever!! Its not so much pronounciation for me, as it is words spoken for my 10yo. I mean, it is awesome to hear him speak and "the right way", but just to make the attempt. I praise for little milestones :)

we used very basic sign language in the beginning because he had a delay in both cognitive and expressive speech (more, eat, drink, mom, dad). we used autism apps/games/flashcards on the iPad. He absolutely loved it and soaked up the alphabet, shapes, colours, nouns... Within 5 months he was no longer non verbal. ABA helped him learn how to communicate (how and why to point, touch, eye contact). Its a fantastic program. We also decided to try a gluten-free diet. It helped my little guy lots...my senior therapist described it as if he was finally present; like the haze had been lifted off his eyes. I think it was a combination of all these things together really. If you would like to discuss in greater detail, send me a quick message!