Self advocacy for non-speaking children and children with emerging language
Self advocacy is about speaking up for yourself – knowing what you need and telling others about it.
Who is this advice for?
Self advocacy is especially important for children and young people with different needs, as it helps them feel more confident and become more independent.
How will this advice support my child?
(Setting staff can use this wording to write targets)
These resources are designed to support your child to:
- advocate for themselves within everyday activities and routines
- advocate for themselves when solving problems or during communication breakdowns
- communicate to advocate for different supports, due to their communication differences.
Developing self-advocacy skills is a gradual process, and it is never too early to start working on them.
It does not matter how a person communicates; they can advocate for themselves. A child or young person can advocate for themselves using spoken words, written language, symbols and sign, whichever way they find it easiest to explain their needs and what they need the other person to do to help them.
Learning to advocate for themselves is key not just at home but also at school and later in the workplace. It allows people to express their needs, make choices about their lives and stand up for their rights.
