What to Do When a Child Gets Frustrated: Using ASL to Support Communication

Many behavior challenges in young children are communication challenges that can be supported through visual language.

The Moment

A child cries.

They throw an object.

They shut down.

Adults often see behavior.

But underneath, there is often a communication need.

Behavior and Communication

When children cannot express what they need, frustration builds.

This is especially true for:

• toddlers

• children with language delays

• Deaf and Hard of Hearing children

Communication support can reduce these moments.

How ASL Helps

Signs give children a way to express:

• more

• help

• finished

• stop

This reduces the gap between need and expression.

What This Looks Like

Instead of reacting to behavior, model language.

Example:

Child cries during snackYou model “more”

Child struggles with a toyYou model “help”

Child wants to stopYou model “finished”

Key Strategy

Do not wait for the child to sign first.

Model the sign during the moment.

Repeat consistently.

For Teachers

In classrooms:

• teach signs during routines

• use visuals consistently

• reinforce during transitions

This supports all learners.

Connection to Books

Books help children see communication modeled in context.

The Shayla Boo series introduces communication, feelings, and hearing awareness in ways children understand.

Try This Today

Think of one moment your child struggles.

Introduce one sign in that moment.

Repeat it daily.

Behavior is communication.

When we give children language, we give them another way to respond.