On this page you will find a list of the most common communicative functions performed by students complete with examples of each.
Request
The student conveys a desire for someone else to give an object, perform a service, or give permission to take an object or to do something. There is an expectation that this will happen immediately.
Examples:
Points to an object and says it's name; "I want a cookie"; pulls teacher to radio; "want music"; "I need help"; touches object and looks for consent to play with it; "bathroom" (when wanting to use bathroom); "go play."
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Get Attention
The student indicates a desire to have another person's attention when not already getting it.
Examples:
Touches teacher on shoulder; "Mom"; rings bell; vocalizes sharply and repeatedly until teacher looks and responds.
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Reject or Refuse
The student rejects objects offered, rejects the action of another person, or refuses to comply with a request.
Examples:
Pushes juice away; "No"; "Stop"; shakes head "no."
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Comment
The student points out characteristics of self, other people, or objects that are readily apparent to the listener and pertain to the immediate environment.
Examples:
Holds up object to show someone; "That's my coat"; "finished" (when teacher is watching); "up" (as someone climbs a ladder); "Jean push truck" (pointing at Jean who is pushing a toy truck).
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Give Information
The student tells another person something that is not obvious to that person. This may involve reporting on an activity of self or another that happened in the past or is expected to happen in the future. It also may involve answering a question for information that the person asking it does not know.
Examples:
The student says "I watched TV last night." One student asks, "Do you like peas?" and the other answers, "Yes." The teacher asks, "Where did you put your pennies?" and the student points to the place where the pennies are.
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Seek Information
The student conveys a desire for someone to give needed or wanted information.
Examples:
"Where ball?" "When lunch?" The student searches for an object and looks to the teacher for information.
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Express Feelings
The student indicates own physical or emotional feelings such as likes or dislikes.
Examples:
Takes adult's hand and puts it on a part of own body that is hurt; "angry"; "stomach hurts."
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Social Routine
Examples:
"Hi"; "bye"; "thank you."