Function Explanation
To Request Communicates a desire for someone to give an
(Mand) object, perform a service, or give permission to
take an object or to do something.
To Get Communicates a desire to have someone's
Attention attention when not already getting it or to
maintain someone's attention.
To Refuse / Rejects objects offered, rejects the action of
Reject someone, or refuses to comply with a request.
To Points out characteristics of self, other people, or
Comment objects that are readily apparent to the listener
and pertain to the immediate environment.
To Give Communicates to someone something that is not
Informatio obvious to that person. May involve reporting on
n 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.
To Seek Communicates a desire for someone to give
Informatio needed or wanted information.
n the teacher for information.
Examples
Points to an object and says its name: "Cookie"
or gives an approximation: "ee-ee".
Pulls teacher to the closet to show where a
desired item is and says, "Want puzzle."
Touches object and looks for consent to play
with it.
Uses a word or phrase to indicate wants or
needs: "Bathroom" (when wanting to use the
bathroom).
Touches teacher on shoulder.
Says, "Mom" to get her attention.
Vocalizes sharply and repeatedly until teacher
looks and responds.
Says, "Excuse me."
Pushes juice away.
Says "no."
Says "stop."
Shakes head "no."
Throws items away from him/herself.
Holds up object to show someone.
Says, "That's my coat."
Tells teacher, "Finished" (when teacher is
watching).
Says, "Up" (as someone climbs a ladder to
indicate what that person is doing).
"Jane's pushing the truck" (pointing at Jane
who is pushing a toy truck).
Student says "I watched TV last night"
Student asks, "Do you like peas?" and the
other answers, "Yes."
Teacher asks, "Where did you put your
pennies?" and the student points to the place
where the pennies are
Student asks, "When lunch?"
Student searches for an object and looks to
Student asks where an item is located.
Student asks for clarification.
To Express Communicates own physical or emotional Takes someone's hand and puts it on a part of
Feelings feelings such as likes or dislikes. his body that is hurt.
Says or signs, "angry."
Says, "stomach hurts."
Student retrieves a routine item such as a
band-aid.

Social Communication within the context of typical Says "hi" or "bye."

Routines situations. Says or signs, "Thank you."
Asks "How are you?" or replies "I'm fine."

To Make a Indicates which option they prefer or don't Choosing a particular activity.
Choice prefer. Says, "I'd rather play this game."
Choosing reinforcement.
Pushes away an item presented to them that is
non-preferred.
Choosing a preferred item.

To Give a Communicates to someone else what to do. Signs, "Sit down."

Direction Says, "Throw that away."
Says, "Listen to me."
Says, "Come here."

To Communicates a position to someone in order to Tells someone their position and provides
Influence try to have that person agree. evidence of why they are right.
or Provides factual information and opinions.
Persuade

To Warn Communicates danger or concern to another Says, "Be careful."

person. Says, "Don't drink that."
Says, "Stand back."
Gesturing to stop.

To Communicates encouragement and positive Says, "You're doing great!"

Motivate feedback. Says, "You can do it!"
or
Encourage