Why “HELP” Is One of the Most Important Words for Speech Delay

Discover why “Help” is such an important early communication word and how you can teach it through simple play and everyday routines.

Does your child cry, scream, throw things, or become frustrated when they can't do something on their own?

When children don't yet have a way to ask for assistance, they may communicate through behaviours like crying, pushing things away, or walking away. “Help” gives them a simple way to communicate that they need support.

A child can communicate “Help” with a word, a sound, a gesture, a look, or by handing something to you. What matters is that they have a meaningful way to show that they need assistance.

When children learn that their communication can help them get the support they need, they begin to develop confidence, problem-solving, and independence.

What research tells us?

Research on early communication shows that children benefit from having simple, functional words that they can use across everyday situations. “Help” gives children a way to communicate when something is difficult or when they need assistance.

When children have a way to ask for help, they have another option besides crying, throwing, giving up, or becoming frustrated. It also helps them learn that communication can be used to solve problems.

Communication does not have to start with perfect words. It can begin with a sound, a gesture, a look, a word attempt, or another meaningful way of showing what they need.

What activities can you do?

You can teach “Help” through simple everyday activities and play.

Use containers. Put a favourite toy inside a container that needs a little help to open. Pause and give your child a chance to communicate before modelling “Help!”

Try bubbles. Give your child the closed bubble container and wait. If they look at you, reach, or hand it to you, model “Help!” and assist them.

Use stickers or puzzles. Give your child something that is slightly tricky to open, peel, or complete. Pause and model “Help” when they show you they need assistance.

Watch for your child's own attempts to communicate. They might say “hep,” make a sound, point, look at you, or hand you the item. Acknowledge the attempt and model “Help” naturally.

Pause often. Give your child time to show you they need assistance. They don't need to say the whole word for their communication to count.

Watch the video

In this video, we explore why “Help” is an important early communication word for children with speech delay or who are non-verbal. You'll learn simple ways to create opportunities for your child to ask for help through play and everyday activities.

These strategies can help your child discover that their communication can get their needs met and give them another way to communicate when something feels difficult.