We have just begun using basic sign with our 3 year old. The hard thing so far is getting him to engage with us long enough to notice the sign. Getting our 5 year old involved has made the biggest difference though. He responds to her most!

We used Picture word association with all our children, and we used sign language, basic signs for things helped tremendously with frustration, these methods also help the brain re-connect.in areas that they may have damage like in the cases of severe apraxia. Hold of to give your child what they want, have him or her do the sign then give the item. Delayed gratification and food are big motivators. you can take pictures of things and put them on a wall board, have him go to the board and give you the picture for what he wants and do, or have. Start with a few first then build. have one board that is for teaching emotions and feelings too, this will help with communication, Have a small treat jar in view but not in reach, so that when your child accomplishes the signing they get some small reward like a sugar free life saver or tootsie roll or something . start with the basic things he needs getting those things understood with sign language and with Picture word association, when your child wants milk, or juice he can find the picture and bring that to you , your reward with the item and praise. always say the word of what he wants when signing or when using the photos.
I hope you find this bennificial

By Marjory S Erdman 10/09/13

Thank all for ur wonderful I advice ....

We use sign language and PECS right now and our daughter is 7. They are going to start to use an IPad soon as they think she will adapt to it but have not started yet. She can speak a few words right now but can get her point across so the frustration is not as bad as it used to be

My son is only 3 but we use sign language. We are introducing pecs currently. He is two young yet but we did try a alt chat for a couple months and it was wonderful! We used ucp's device lending library for it.