Recognizing Communication Signals For individuals that are not able to communicate in conventional ways such as speaking, it is important to recognize the ways that they are able to communicate. While familiar communication partners understand each and every way that the individual communicates, it can be difficult for unfamiliar partners to read the more subtle signals. This tool is designed as a support for teams to determine an individual’s current communication skills and provide all those involved with the individual the same information. Eyes: Looking at something/someone, looking at an item then at Head: an adult, eye pointing to Nod/shake, show their choice of putting head answers, rolling eyes, down, turn away, closing eyes, widening turn towards eyes, sounds, facial expressions (smile, frown, etc.), covering { Mouth/Sounds: ears from sounds Sounds to show emotions (crying, yelling, etc.), babbling (repeated sounds), laugh, kiss, word-like Hands/Arms sounds, words that have (gross motor): special meanings Reaching for items/people, pushing things Hands (fine away, guiding an motor): adults hand to Signing, gesturing what they want, (waving, thumbs- hitting, repeated up, high five, etc.), tapping/banging, pointing, hand hugging flapping, unusual hand positioning, pinching Legs/Feet: Whole Body: Running/crawling/whe Slumping over, tensing, eling away, moving falling to the floor, shrug, towards rocking, wiggling, dancing, someone/something/s swaying, jumping up/down, omeplace, kicking, curling up, becoming stomping, pacing, leg still/quiet, self-harm, health extension, refusal to indicators (sweating, crying, go/leave red eyes, etc.) I CAN Centre www.ahs.ca/icancentre Last revised: June 2018 .