How to Teach Your Child to Ask for Help

Asking for help is much more than a communication exercise. It can become an important independence and self-advocacy skill. Choose the easiest communication method for your child. Depending on how they communicate, this might be “Help,” “Help please,” a gesture, sign, picture card or AAC button. Practice during small, manageable situations where help is genuinely useful—for example, a container that’s slightly difficult to open or a toy that needs assistance. Give your child time to attempt the help signal before stepping in. When they communicate for help, respond promptly and positively. Avoid making the situation unnecessarily frustrating just to produce communication. Practice should create opportunities to succeed, not manufacture distress. Over time, practice with different people, activities and settings so your child learns that asking for help works beyond the teaching activity.