Behavioural and emotional disorders in childhood: A brief overview for paediatricians

Table 4 Summary of common social communication enhancement strategies

Method	Description	Ref.
Augmentative and alternative communication	Supplements/replaces natural speech and/or writing with aided [e.g., Picture Exchange Communication System, line drawings, Blissymbols, speech generating devices, and tangible objects] and/or unaided (e.g., manual signs, gestures, and finger spelling) symbols	[39,129-131]
	Effective in decreasing maladaptive or challenging behaviour such as aggression, self-injury and tantrums, promotes cognitive development and improves social communication
Activity schedules/visual supports	Using photographs, drawings, or written words that act as cues or prompts to help individuals complete a sequence of tasks/activities or behave appropriately in various settings	[132]
	Scripts are often used to promote social interaction, initiate or sustain interaction
Computer-/video-based instruction	Use of computer technology or video recordings for teaching language skills, social skills, social understanding, and social problem solving	[40]