Let’s Talk
Some of our friends learn to talk when they are toddlers, and others may not speak words until they are adults. But, whether spoken language begins emerging at age four or forty, we can take some purposeful steps to encourage communication at this critical stage of development.
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PRESENCE. Your friend with autism needs someone to talk to, so take time throughout the day to sit quietly and talk. Sometimes you’ll want to sit face to face (like at a table or a booth at the ice cream shop) and sometimes sit side by side (like on a porch swing or the couch.) Just relax and chat casually. The key to success is for as many people as possible to spend short bits of time throughout the day in conversations uninterrupted by television, deadlines, or other distractions.
TOPICS. When most folks begin talking, we tend to focus on nouns. So we teach the names of different items and celebrate when a person can label objects correctly. But emerging language involves so much more than nouns. You can encourage phrases and sentences in casual conversation by looking at books or photos of friends and family. Chat about an upcoming event or brainstorm ideas for the supper menu. If your friend gets stuck on one topic or doesn’t seem to be able to formulate an idea, you can “jump-start” the conversation by pointing out a bird sitting on the feeder or by showing him a toy he played with when he was little. You can also ask questions about recent events or ask his opinions or preferences. For example, you could ask if he likes summer weather or winter weather best. Or you could ask him if he prefers sleeping on the top bunk or the bottom bunk. Then share your opinion about the topic.
SILENCE. Because many individuals with autism have delays in processing auditory information, we need to slow down our conversations and leave silences that allow our friends to process information and to formulate a response. And we probably all need to keep in mind that nagging or making a big issue over his talking rarely has a positive effect on people, particularly adolescents.
TIP FOR THE DAY. Encourage emerging conversation skills by giving your friend with autism topics and time to talk.
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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