Final answer:
Children and individuals with limited cognitive functioning often rely more heavily on non-verbal communication due to their developing language skills or disabilities that affect speech. Non-verbal cues such as gestures and facial expressions play a critical role in their ability to communicate.
Step-by-step explanation:
Individuals with limited cognitive functioning such as children are generally more reliant on non-verbal communication compared to verbal, written, or digital communication. This is due to their developing cognitive abilities which may limit their understanding and expression through language. Non-verbal communication includes gestures, facial expressions, and body language, all of which are essential for communication before children fully develop their verbal abilities.
Studies have shown that cultural norms greatly influence non-verbal communication, and people rely on these unspoken cues to navigate social interactions. For instance, a child who has experienced nearly complete isolation, like Danielle, may lack verbal communication skills and thus would rely more heavily on non-verbal cues like gestures or body language to understand others and express themselves.
Verbal communication, on the other hand, is a more sophisticated form of interaction that usually develops with age and cognitive maturity. It involves understanding and using language to convey messages, which can be a challenge for those with developmental delays or disabilities that impact their speech and language skills.