My child can't say what they dislike in words and communicates by hitting, running away, or crying. How should I respond?

Hitting, running, and crying are also fine messages of "I don't like it." First put the feeling into words and receive it—"you didn't like that"—and secure safety if there's danger. Once calm, practice one alternative way to convey it—"no," "stop," "share"—with words, signs, or cards. Respond right away when they convey it, so they feel "telling works." Rather than eliminating the troubling behavior, increasing the means that get through is the fundamental shortcut.