When communicating with Autistic children you need to keep in the forefront of your mind that ASD children are specific, literal and very precise in the way that they think. If you too think this way before you communicate you will be sure to have more effective communication with your child. I assure you, you will notice a change in the way your child responds to this very quickly.
The thing is, often we speak sloppy. Like it or not, we do!
We do this because majority of the time the people that we’re talking to understand this sloppy talk, so why would we think to change it?
Let me give you an example….
Your child is looking at his/her favourite story book and points at a colourful fish. You say “Fish!” A more effective response would be; “The fish in the picture is colourful!”
Or
A child is trying to reach your hot mug of coffee. You say “Don’t touch!” Again, a more
effective response would be “Don’t touch the mug, because it’s hot and you could hurt yourself.”
So just by adding a few tweaks to your language, a little more detail and as always, consistency. Your child is much more likely to understand you and respond to the way you communicate.
Speak with you soon, until then
Live every moment, Love beyond words and make a difference today!
Emma Ottaway
The Autism Support Specialist
