Communication

Regardless of the situation, every child will need to communicate and cooperate with others on some level. Even if an autistic child can speak, it doesn’t mean that he or she can effectively communicate.

Communication Deficits

There are two communication terms that you may hear about when learning about your child’s autism:

• Receptive language: The ability to understand communication that is directed at you.
• Expressive language: The ability to make others understand what you are communicating.

Autistic children do no easily initiate conversations, but they can respond when others attempt to communicate. When speaking, they often engage in an action called echolalia, which is the practice of repeating back words that they hear. After participating in behavioral programs or therapy, autistic children can learn to use language to express themselves.

Autistic children also can have difficulty reading the faces of those around them. If these children can practice reading faces and focusing on the eyes of the individual speaking with them, they can often improve their communication skills. There are programs available, such as FaceSay, which helps autistic children engage and focus on the eyes of those they are trying to communicate with.

Supporting a Non-Verbal Child

Children whom have limited communication skills often do not know how to develop and maintain friendships, but they still have a desire to experience relationships. There are things that adults can do to help a autistic children adjust to feel included in social situations:

• Help your child forge friendships. Get to know other families in your school and set up play dates. Stay during the visit to help your child practice his or her social skills. Even though your child may not look interested in other children, they can learn from being in play environments with their peers.
• Encourage your child to play with others. When you are on play dates or at the park, encourage your child to play with others. It may require that you take the lead by showing your child how to approach other children. Capitalize on an activity that your child seems to like. If your child likes to swim, visit the local pool with a small group of families.
• Ask your child’s teacher to support your efforts. If your child has an opportunity to work in a small group or with a partner while in school, it will provide chances for communication to develop.
• Give your child time to adjust. When you take your child out with other children or are in an environment where there are children around, give your child time to observe new behaviors before asking them to participate. Even if a new activity is attempted and abandoned, don’t give up. Allow some time for adjustment and try again.
• Limit the amount of information you give your child. Always speak slowly and clearly. Give your child a chance to assimilate the information and formulate a response before repeating yourself. 

Tagged as: Communication