Social communication in the early years is something many families of young children with SEND find themselves thinking about. While some children pick up social cues naturally, others need extra time and support to understand how to connect with those around them. It can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when your child is chatty and uses language well, but still struggles to join in with play or make friends.
At Fun and Play, we’ve been there. We’re families like yours, trying our best to help our little ones feel included, understood, and supported. This isn’t professional advice, just ideas and insights we’ve gathered and used ourselves, things that might help you too.
🧠 What is social communication in the early years?
It’s about how your child uses both words and non-verbal cues to communicate with others. That includes:
- Taking turns in conversation
- Understanding facial expressions and tone of voice
- Playing with others in a shared way
- Asking for help or showing emotions clearly
For children with SEND, these skills do not always develop in typical ways or at the same pace. But with the right support, every child can find their own way to connect.
🛠️ Simple strategies to try at home
You are already doing so much, but a few small tweaks at home can help encourage social communication in a gentle, consistent way:
📚 Use social stories
Create short, simple stories with pictures that show your child what to expect in everyday situations. These are helpful for preparing your child for events like a birthday party, visiting a new place, or even just sharing toys with others.
👫 Model the behaviour you want to see
Instead of just explaining what to do, show it. Take turns, greet others, and talk about your feelings out loud. Your child is always watching and learning.
🖼️ Visual support
Visuals are great for all children but especially those with SEND. You could use picture cards, daily routines, or communication books to make things clearer and more predictable.
🦕 Keep it playful
Follow your child’s interests: dinosaurs, music, water play, whatever brings them joy. Social communication builds naturally during play. Playing alongside your child and commenting on what they’re doing can be more helpful than formal “teaching”.
🧑🏫 Who can support social communication?
You are not expected to do this all on your own. These are some of the people and pathways that can help:
📒 Your child’s SENCO
The Special Educational Needs Coordinator at nursery or preschool is a key contact. They can help you understand your child’s needs, make referrals, and support EHCP applications.
🗣️ Speech and Language Therapy
This is one of the most common and useful types of support for social communication. If NHS waiting times are long, some families choose to explore private therapists. Some approaches, like TalkTools and Gestalt Language Processing, have helped families we know.
📄 EHCP support
You do not need a diagnosis to apply for an Education, Health and Care Plan. If social communication is an area of need, it can be written into the EHCP, and therapies like 1 to 1 support or specialist sessions can be included.
🧸 Inclusive play opportunities in your local area
We love inclusive places that welcome all kinds of play and communication. Here are some to explore around Weybridge and Walton-on-Thames:
🌈 Sensory-friendly soft play and clubs
- Woking Leisure Centre runs SEND soft play sessions with fewer participants and calming features
- Meadowbank soft play also has SEN sessions
- Challengers offers a sensory room and fully accessible play
- Chelsea Foundation has adapted sports sessions with sensory-friendly spaces
🎨 Inclusive clubs and sessions
- Yorda Playhouse offers weekly sessions with a music room, sensory room, and bouncy castle
- SEN Explorers Football and Chelsea Foundation sessions are great for physical play
- Short Breaks services from your council can help fund inclusive clubs or support workers
- Direct Payments can sometimes be used to fund a Personal Assistant to help your child take part in community activities
🐘 Accessible attractions
Some attractions run SEND-specific events, like:
- ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoos – quieter SEN mornings
- Local SEN pantos – adapted performances with low lighting and sound
🎯 Understanding the subtle signs
Some children may sound very grown up, with long words and big ideas, but still find it hard to understand how others feel or how to join in with a group. Social communication difficulties can sometimes go unnoticed because they don’t always look like a speech delay.
If you notice your child repeating phrases or scripts from shows, using formal or adult-like language, or struggling to take turns in conversation or play, these are all things worth exploring. The earlier we understand how our children communicate, the better we can support them.
🌱 Final thoughts
Supporting social communication in the early years is not about fixing your child, but about building a bridge between how they see the world and how they can be understood by others. Every child has their own unique way of connecting, our job is to help them feel confident and safe doing so.
We hope some of these strategies and ideas give you a place to start. You are not alone in this. Fun and Play is here, cheering you on every step of the way 💛
❓ FAQs: supporting social communication in early years
What is social communication?
It is how children use spoken language, facial expressions, body language, and play to connect with others.
Can children with good vocabulary still have difficulties?
Yes. A child may speak clearly and use advanced words but still find it hard to understand social rules or read emotions.
How do I know if my child needs extra support?
If your child avoids play, repeats phrases from TV, or struggles with turn-taking and shared attention, it might help to speak to their SENCO or a Speech and Language Therapist.
Do I need a diagnosis for my child to get help?
No. Support can be put in place based on need, especially in early years settings. You can also apply for an EHCP without a formal diagnosis.
What local activities support social communication?
Inclusive play sessions, sensory-friendly soft play, music groups, and sports sessions like SEN Explorers Football are great options in our area.