Here are four ideas that might help:

• Create a need for children to ask.  So, don’t get them everything they need before they even ask for it.  This includes toys, snacks and games. (But don’t worry about “please and thankyou” at this stage – that can come later)

• Giving them labelled choices, such as “Do you want cheese or ham?”. Give them time to express a want (pause and wait)

• Model the language for asking for help.  “You need help.  I can help …”  Or, “you want the …”

• If they point, respond giving the name of the thing they are pointing at