Model play actions alongside the child using similar toys and objects that the child is already engaged in.  Accompany play actions with simple single words and gestures or signs, as appropriate.  Special Time – an adult/child play session that is child-led and routine in nature Tools/Families (brightfutures.org)

Focus on offering named choices of objects, pausing for the child to respond with a reach or point.  Repeat the name of the chosen object and engage in that object with the child. Making a choice between two objects About Choice Making.pdf (eani.org.uk)

Support verbal language with gestures and Makaton signs, at a single word level at first.  Attach the same gesture or sign to the same word and situation each time, so as not to ‘overload’ the child.  Build this support for verbal language into the routine for all the children.

Makaton Charity www.makaton.org for Let’s Talk Makaton – sign of the week.  Support your words with single Makaton signs to emphasise key words and messages.  This blog may help when choosing which words to start with 5 First Words (plus Makaton) to teach your toddler – SaLT by the Sea

Use mime, gesture and Makaton signs in songs, rhymes and story to help the child have a visual picture of what is being sung and said.

A bank of nursery rhymes and songs to refer to and to create song cards with Nursery Rhymes and Action Songs (eani.org.uk)

Little Soundabout – Online Music Programme Soundabout Cards – Soundabout Family

Spend time playing in parallel with the child, getting to know their play preferences, pace of learning and communication skills, both non-verbal and verbal.  Help the child feel comfortable with your presence as a play partner. Model play actions alongside the child using similar toys and objects that the child is already engaged in.  Accompany play actions with simple single words and gestures or signs, as appropriate, using Identiplay techniques.  Teaching Play to Children with Autism – Practical interventions using Identiplay Teaching Play to Children with Autism: Practical Interventions using Identiplay (Lucky Duck Books) eBook : Phillips, Nicky, Beavan, Liz: Amazon.co.uk: Books