Training to support caregivers raising nonverbal children to be offered virtually Jan. 12 Two G.E.A.R. Parent Network staff will facilitate the training. Share AUGUSTA — The G.E.A.R. Parent Network, a program of Crisis & Counseling Centers, will host a free virtual training for parents and community partners (educators, providers, and other professionals), “Understanding Augmentative and Alternative Communication” will begin at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12. According to a news release from the parent network, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders explains that, “Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder may have difficulty developing language skills and understanding what others say to them. They also often have difficulty communications nonverbally, such as through hand gestures, eye contact, and facial expressions.”