What leads to communication / language development ?

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I have just realized that an interest in communication precedes the use of language.

My 4 year old isn't interested in people, isn't interested in toys, is happy to sit & visually stim all day long. I suspect that his receptive language is a lot better than he lets on, but there is no real way to know. He also has cognitive delays.

Am I out of luck wrt communication / language with & for him ? I am no longer hung up on speech, I am just desperate for communication - whether that be ASL, typing, Martian, etc. I just want him to have the ability to communicate his needs, his wants, and if anyone is ever mean to him. How can I help foster his language / communication development ? If I get speech out of him, I would feel blessed beyond words, but for now, I am mostly just desperate for him to communicate.

What worries me is that he does not seem INTERESTED in communication. I have done every single thing I can to force him to communicate, even withholding food & drink until he asks for them via signing / pointing, but NOPE. That kid would starve if I let him. I just do not know what else to do to stimulate his interest to communicate. Help !

Thanks !

Maybe take him to a pet store and see how he interacts with puppies? I've heard playful pets help kids in this situation to open up and begin to interact.

I would not recommend any kind of pet store, as they are dumping grounds for puppy mills. Instead, try a local animal rescue that May or may not have puppies or kittens and see how he will react.