Development of Communicative Intent
Level of communication
Level I
Preintentional (reactive) behavior
Level II
Intentional (proactive) behavior
Level III
Pragmatic Features
States expressed by behaviors (as interpreted by caregivers)

Discomfort

Comfort

Interest/excitement

Startle
Functions that behaviors serve (as interpreted by caregivers)

Protest/reject

Continue pleasurable action

Obtain more of something

Attract attention
Intents for which behaviours are used by child
Non-conventional presymbolic

Refuse/reject
communication

Request more of an action

Request a new action

Request more of an object

Request a new object

Request attention

Show affection
Level IV
All of above intents and
Conventional presymbolic

Greetings
communication

Offer/share

Direct attention to something

Confirm/negate

Ask questions
Level V
Concrete symbolic communication
Level VI
Abstract symbolic communication
Level VII
All of the above intents and

Request an absent object

Label
All of the above intents and

Comment
All of the above intents
Formal symbolic communication
(language)
Rowland, C., & Schweigert, P. (2000). Development of communicative intent. In Communication development and
teaching strategies for children with severe and multiple disabilities: Presymbolic communication and tangible symbol
systems (p. 4). Portland: Oregon Health and Science University Design to Learn Projects.