Uneven Language Skills
One of the most confusing aspects of autism is the unpredictable combination of abilities and deficits found in each individual. Rather than functioning on predictable levels, people with autism find themselves “all over the map” in regards to their competence in language, social interaction, academics, restrictive rituals and obsessions, sensory sensitivities, behavior issues, and self-help skills. For example, the range of language functioning in autism is very broad. Let us look at some of the uneven communication skills in the spectrum.
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RECEPTIVE LANGUAGE. Although some individuals with autism have excellent receptive language skills, others appear to be unresponsive to any words spoken to them, as if they do not hear the conversation or they are not processing what people say to them. Some people comprehend some words and gestures, so they will sit when someone pats a chair or they will come to the table for lunch when asked to do so. A rather common characteristic of individuals with autism is that of translating words literally. So, for example, if a teacher asks a student to put a book up, the youngster will hold the book up in the air. Or if a music therapist asks a student to look at the music, she will look at the piano – the device that makes music – rather than looking at the written symbols on a page.
EXPRESSIVE LANGUAGE. Just as is true of receptive language, some individuals with autism have typical conversational skills, and some are excellent communicators. Others make no apparent attempt to communicate with others around them. Some people with autism learn to express their needs, ideas, and opinions using gestures, signs, symbols, basic words and phrases, or a combination of those language methods. Over time, some individuals – even those who did not talk for years – learn to talk just like their peers.
Sometimes we are not able to discern what a person is trying to communicate. They may simply echo the words or phrases spoken to them. They might express their frustration or need or discomfort by screaming, biting, or throwing objects. Some individuals with autism speak words that seem to have no meaning. They may speak long strings of nonsense words or they may repeat a movie script, the alphabet, or random phrases from conversations they heard several days previously.
CONVERSATIONAL SKILLS. Even if a person is able to talk, he may or may not be able to converse with the people around them. For example, some individuals are not able to initiate in a conversations, but will talk to others if asked specific questions. Some people with autism have patterned speech, so they are only able to answer certain questions, giving a “stock” reply in a sing-song voice. Other individuals are only able to talk about certain topics, or they are rather obsessive about the topic of conversation, getting very agitated or angry if the topic moves in another direction.
If a person is non-verbal, we can naturally tend to assume their receptive language skills are lacking. But this is not necessarily the case. One of my long-time students is non-verbal and is not able to effectively and consistently use symbols or signs. But – based on his interest in conversations and his ability to comprehend subtle humor – he obviously has sophisticated receptive language skills.
TIP FOR THE DAY: Our friends with autism are like snowflakes – each with a unique pattern. Every person has their own combination of strengths and deficits in language and communication as well as in other areas. Remember that strong skills on one area will not necessarily translate to strong skills in another.
NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. Feel free to send me a confidential email at talk@FAQautism.com with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com
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