How Vocalize helps you support communication

Start with a real reason to communicate

You can follow your child’s idea during play or introduce a familiar book, toy or activity. Show them a word or sign that fits what’s happening. Then pause and respond to what they do.

Vocalize adapted these activities for home practice. Research hasn’t established how long families should spend on them. The activities haven’t been independently approved as treatment plans.

Research highlighted on our homepage tested specific parent-training programs. The two trials described here included clinician coaching for parents; the 2019 review combined varied parent-training programs. The 2015 trial also included direct work with children. Vocalize is self-guided and has not been tested in a trial.

Show an example without requiring a performance

Model a word or a natural sentence while its meaning is clear. Build on a message with one useful detail. A child can watch, contribute in their own way, correct the adult or decline. Help, comfort and communication tools stay available.

Make communication accessible

Speech, gestures, signs and AAC belong throughout the program. Use the child's familiar access and vocabulary, along with the languages that connect your family. No eye-contact or spoken-language milestone unlocks communication.

Build the adult's skills

Six flexible phases organize what the parent practices, from joining play to supporting stories and everyday communication. The phases are places to explore and revisit. They are not age levels or tests a child must pass.

Keep individual care with the child's team

Vocalize provides education and home-practice ideas. Individual assessment, treatment, communication access and feeding or swallowing plans come from the family's qualified care team.