Communication and Mental Health: Giving Children with Disabilities the Tools to Express Their Feelings
As Mental Health Awareness Month is observed this May, the Trudeau Center reflects on its 60+ year commitment to transforming the lives of individuals with differing abilities. One of the most crucial aspects of this transformation involves empowering children with the ability to communicate their thoughts, needs, and emotions effectively. When children can express how they feel, it opens doors to better mental health, stronger relationships, and enhanced quality of life.
Children with developmental disabilities often face unique challenges in communicating their emotional states. Without adequate tools for expression, these children may experience frustration, anxiety, and isolation, which can significantly impact their mental wellbeing. Recognizing this critical connection between communication abilities and mental health, Trudeau Center’s programs incorporate evidence-based strategies to help children develop these essential skills.
“The relationship between communication and mental health is profound, especially for children with developmental disabilities,” explains Andre Bessette, Ph.D., Vice President of Children’s Services at the Trudeau Center. “When children lack the tools to express their emotions, feelings of frustration can manifest as behavioral challenges. By providing them with effective communication strategies, we’re not just addressing behavior. We’re supporting their overall emotional wellbeing and helping them build meaningful connections with others.”
Trudeau’s Early Intervention program serves as a cornerstone in developing these critical skills from an early age. For children between birth and three years old, this crucial developmental period represents a window of opportunity to establish foundational communication abilities. Using a coaching model, Trudeau’s skilled professionals work alongside parents and caregivers to integrate communication strategies into daily routines and activities.
The Center’s approach recognizes that communication takes many forms beyond verbal speech. For some children, this might involve using picture exchange systems, simple sign language, or assistive technology. Others might benefit from learning to identify and label emotions through visual supports or social stories. The key is finding personalized strategies that work for each child’s unique needs and abilities.
“We embrace a holistic view of communication that goes far beyond words,” says Jacqueline Ferreira, Director of Early Intervention at the Trudeau Center. “Many children we work with may not communicate verbally, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have powerful emotions to express. Our job is to help them find their voice—whatever form that might take—and ensure they have effective ways to share their feelings, wants, and needs with the important people in their lives.”
At Pathways Strategic Teaching Center, Trudeau’s program for children with autism spectrum disorder and related conditions, communication and emotional regulation are central components of the curriculum. Using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles, specialists create individualized programs that teach children both functional communication skills and emotional literacy. Children learn to recognize their feelings, understand how emotions affect behavior, and develop appropriate ways to express themselves in different situations.
Parents often report that improvements in communication lead to noticeable changes in their child’s emotional wellbeing. When children can effectively express themselves, episodes of frustration typically decrease, while confidence and social engagement increase. This positive cycle creates a foundation for better mental health outcomes as children grow and develop.
As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month this May, the benefits of these communication skills extend far beyond childhood. For families navigating the challenges of raising a child with developmental disabilities, the Trudeau Center continues to be a trusted partner in this journey. Through comprehensive services spanning from early intervention to adult support programs, the Center maintains its unwavering commitment to empowering individuals with the skills they need to lead fulfilling lives.
