How do I write IEP goals for my nonspeaking child with no motor control?
Published: Apr. 17, 2026Updated: Apr. 17, 2026
For nonspeaking children, many IEP goals involve pointing or indicating a choice. However, for kids with no motor control who cannot point, IEP goals need to get more creative. The school team should look for and document other indicators of the student making choices such as eye gaze, holding attention, any verbalizations, etc. that consistently indicate the child is making a selection.
Every human has a right to a form of communication, so the school should be trialing different things to see what works. They can set up a very simple system that expands once the child learns the system. This can be developed with an SLP and an AAC assessment.
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