Non-Verbal Communication in Newborns

Czech version

Authors: Červinková Karolína ; Mgr. Červenková Barbora, Ph.D.
Authors‘ workplace: Fakultní nemocnice Brno, Klinika gynekologie, porodnictví a neonatologie, Obilní trh 11, 620 00 Brno, Česká republika. ; Všeobecná fakultní nemocnice v Praze a 1. LF UK, Klinika gynekologie, porodnictví a neonatologie, Apolinářská 18, 128 08 Praha 2, Česká republika. ; Ústav speciálněpedagogických studií, Pedagogická fakulta Univerzity Palackého v Olomouci, Žižkovo náměstí 5, 779 00 Olomouc, Česká republika. ; Krajská zdravotní a. s. – Masarykova nemocnice v Ústí nad Labem, o. z., Rehabilitační oddělení, Sociální péče 3316/12A, 400 11 Ústí nad Labem, Česká republika. E-mail: karolina. cervinkova@kzcr. eu.
Published in: Listy klinické logopedie 2026; 10(1): 49-57
Category: Miscellaneous
doi: https://doi.org/10.36833/lkl.2026.012

Overview

Neonatal non-verbal communication represents a fundamental means of interaction between the infant and the environment. It is an important indicator of neurodevelopmental maturity in both full-term and pre-term infants. This review article presents selected neurodevelopmental and developmental approaches, including synactive theory, developmental care, sensory integration theory, attachment theory and polyvagal theory, which contribute to the understanding of infant communication through behavioural and bodily signals. The article also provides an overview of methods for assessing non-verbal communication in clinical practice, ranging from clinical observation to standardised tools and parent-report questionnaires. Non-verbal expressions are conceptualised as part of a dynamic regulatory system between infant and caregiver in everyday interactions, including feeding situations. The article highlights the importance of a neurodevelopmentally oriented approach in clinical speech-language pathology for the early identification of risks and the support of early intervention.

Keywords:

non-verbal communication, neonate, pre-term children, early development, synactive theory, developmental care, neurobehavioural assessment, clinical speech-language pathology

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