Listener skills training typically starts with teaching the child to do what?

Listener skills training often begins with teaching a child to respond to their name. This is because responding to one's name is a fundamental skill that indicates the child is able to process auditory information and is capable of focusing their attention on a speaker. It establishes a basis for more complex listener skills and interactions, as recognizing and responding to their name is the first step in engaging in communication. This foundational skill is crucial because it demonstrates that the child is aware of and can react to external stimuli, which is essential for subsequent skills like following directions or engaging in more interactive behaviors.

While identifying objects, following directions, and engaging in play are important aspects of language development, they typically build upon the elementary ability to respond to one’s name. This step also encourages social engagement and paves the way for further development in communication skills through more structured training.