One of the challenges for young children with communication disabilities and limited expressive language is learning to communicate in effective ways. Often, children communicate using idiosyncratic behavior and unconventional means. Their communication may even mirror that of very young children who are prelinguistic (e.g., reach for an item or vocalize to gain attention). Caregivers often misunderstand these communicative behaviors, therefore, the use of repair strategies is crucial to enabling children to influence others in intended ways. Researchers have found that children often repair their failed messages when responding to breakdowns. By supplementing other "tried and true" environmental and milieu strategies with programmed, intentional communication breakdowns throughout the day, parents and early childhood educators can encourage and enhance young children's communication skills. In this article, the author provides several guidelines that will help caregivers program communication breakdown in the natural environment for children with disabilities. (Contains 1 table.)