Gestures and Nonverbal Communication: Why They Matter and How to Teach Them

Gestures form an important part of our nonverbal communication. They convey meaning where words fail. Our body language, tone, intonation, and gestures are all forms of nonverbal communication. The expressions in our eyes, eyebrows, face, hands, and posture all contribute to these gestures.

These forms of communication have been passed down from generation to generation. There is no formal school where we learn gestures—somehow, we just pick them up naturally.

However, for children with autism or other developmental delays, these gestures must be explicitly taught, just like other language skills. Such children often miss the subtle nuances of gestures and expressions, except for simple ones like happy, sad, and angry. More complex emotions, such as jealousy, pride, or frustration, are often difficult for them to interpret.

Why Gestures and Nonverbal Communication Are Important

Gestures, intonation, tone, and other forms of nonverbal communication help us understand the emotions a person is experiencing. They also support perspective-taking—understanding what someone else might be thinking or feeling.

When talking to someone, it is often their body language that tells us whether they are genuinely interested in what we are saying. Unfortunately, these are cues that many children with autism miss, which can lead to them being labelled as social misfits.

Teaching Gestures to Children with Autism

Therefore, through real-life situations, stories, and role-play games, we must teach these skills to children and adults with autism.

Some effective ways to teach gestures include:

• Using role-play activities to act out everyday scenarios

• Highlighting gestures and emotions through storytelling

• Practicing in safe, supportive environments

• Encouraging observation of real-life interactions

These skills are an essential part of language development and social understanding.

Gestures and nonverbal communication are not optional, they are vital tools for expressing emotions, building connections, and navigating social situations. For children with autism, explicit teaching of these skills can bridge the gap between awareness and meaningful communication.

New EdQueries Games to Learn Gestures

To make learning gestures more engaging, EdQueries has launched new interactive games on its platform. These are specially designed for children and young adults with autism and developmental delays, making it easier to understand and practice nonverbal communication.

• Listen and Learn Gestures: Learners are introduced to different gestures through visuals and audio prompts, helping them connect meaning with expression.

• Drag the Correct Answer into the Dash : Game: After learning, students can test their knowledge by dragging the correct gesture into the right situation.

📍 Where to Find It:
These games are available on www.edqueries.com under Expressive Communication → Non-verbal Communication.

By combining explicit teaching with gamified practice, EdQueries helps learners not just recognize gestures but also apply them in real-life contexts—boosting both confidence and social interaction skills.