I’d say I’m a chatty person.
I love meeting new people and giving advice.
If I’m talking about something I care about I might never shut up!
I enjoy things that a lot of people don’t, like interviews for example, or presentations.
But even for me I sometimes get lost for words…
Like for example when a friend of mine told me that her dad had passed away.
He was a healthy and positive guy…
Under 60 years old…
Never had any real health problems and yet he still passed.
I had no idea what to say to her.
Nothing.
I was speechless.
You see sometimes situations we are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with leave us feeling like we have nothing to say, even if we want to.
Many people assume that if an autistic child is verbal then..
That’s it…
They can speak!
And they’ll have no problems with their speech now, because they can speak!
But of course this just isn’t true!
It’s a bit like saying to someone… Oh you can swim now, then dropping someone in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and asking them to swim home.
There are stages to everything.
I first learnt to swim with arm bands, then with the arm bands half deflated, then without arm bands altogether, then in the shallow pool and gradually bit by bit I learn to swim in deeper water.
So take communication…
A child with autism may be able to communicate what they want to you but that doesn’t mean they’d now be able to relay their school day to you.
Just like if you know how to swim in a calm swimming pool it doesn’t mean you can swim in the middle of the rough Atlantic Ocean.
Are you a parent or carer that sometimes expects their child to take that jump?
If you are it just shows how much you want your child to speak.
And I know you’re not on your own in feeling like this.
Be aware of the goals you set up for your child.
Is the expectation too high?
If yes, break it down a little.
There’s no shame in breaking goals down to make them easier to achieve.
In fact it makes perfect sense.
Think about it…
If you break down a goal so it’s easier to achieve, then you set another bitesize goal it’s going to be much easier to keep that success momentum going!
Don’t make it hard for your child!
… While you’re here..
Let me tell you about the “Autism Information & Advice Club” …
At the start of every month members get a newsletter filled with helpful advice, great tips and stories about the children I’ve worked with over the years and the strategies I’ve used to help them.
Members discover how to..
Help their child use a wider range of language…
Develop a greater social awareness…
Understand to how replace challenging behaviours and lots more.
To get your newsletter this month and help your child progress click the link below now…
http://ambitiousautismambassador.com/aiac/
Speak with you soon until then,
Live every moment, Love beyond words and make a difference today
Emma Ottaway
The Ambitious Autism Ambassador
