How do I communicate with the athlete?
Every athlete communicates differently. Learn how to understand their words, gestures, choices, AAC, and actions.
Every athlete communicates differently. Learn how to understand their words, gestures, choices, AAC, and actions.
Watch. Give time. Adjust. What works for one athlete may not work for another.
A response might be a look, point, sound, movement, facial expression, gesture, or AAC. Less speech does not mean less to communicate.
Use their name. Don't automatically turn to the person beside them for the answer.
Give them a real chance to process. A 5–10 second pause can be useful.
Point, gesture, demonstrate the drill, or show the next step.
A nod, head shake, reaching, turning away, pointing, or facial expression can all mean something.
AAC means Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It can add to speech or replace speech when speech is not the easiest way to communicate.
You don't need to sound robotic. Shorter language simply makes the important part easier to catch.
In the middle of a drill, keep the instruction short. Then give the athlete time to respond or show what you mean.
Parents, caregivers, coaches — and the athlete themselves — may already know exactly what helps.
Simple communication should still feel respectful, age-appropriate, and two-way.