It takes some experimenting to find a strategy that works. One strategy that I try early on is using a picture, an object, or a sign/gesture to bridge the gap in communication.
Category: Early Intervention Activities and Strategies
My instinct to guard glue stick caps comes from my days as a toddler classroom teacher, where glue stick caps were not only a choking hazard but also a hidden teaching opportunity.
With these two things happening, modeling sounds and nonverbal turn-taking, the environment is ripe for imitation. Each child is different, and it may take time, patience, and experimentation to determine what sounds/ activities motivate them.
All Things Early Intervention 