Yesterday I was in costa coffee having a break for an hour and I saw something adorable and I just had to tell you…
I got there during the lunch time rush so was stood in a pretty long queue.
In front of me was a women on her own holding a baby boy.
He was irritated and whining to get down. His little body was wiggling around to break free from her arms.
I saw the stressed mother scan the coffee shop and spot a free high chair. She asked me to hold her place in she queue so she could grab it for her son.
She took to the chair to the table closest to the queue and put him inside.
He squealed happily, kicking his dangling legs. And his mother returned to the queue.
Seconds later I noticed another baby sat in a chair behind him. He was being fed by his mother….
The baby from the queue had turned right around in his chair and was staring at the baby.
Then suddenly he squealed a “hello” to his new friend. 
Instantly the baby stopped eating and squealed something back.
The boy must’ve known exactly what he said because he fell about laughing.
And of course the other baby copied, both kicking their chubby dangling legs with excitement.
He was pretty adorable.
The two boys had half of costa coffee staring gooey eyed at them.
Me included!
The babies reminded me of the beauty in interaction.
And how important it is to teach these skills to children that struggle to express and interact.
And that doesn’t JUST mean language by the way.
Before the costa baby began “taking” to his new friend he got his attention by gaining eye contact.
This is a huge skill in itself.
I’m currently teaching a young boy exactly this. Because it’s essential to understand body language otherwise conversations can be massively confusing!
So…
Does your child understand body language?
Do they know appropriate ways to gain someone’s attention?
If you’ve answered no then you can now begin teaching your child these concepts and help them progress with their communication skills.
Speak with you soon until then,
Live every moment, Love beyond words and make a difference today
Emma Ottaway
The Ambitious Autism Ambassador
