Autism has to ability to cripple a child's ability to interact with peers. The markers of this disorder truly prevent many social connections from being forged because of a child's inability to either confront others socially OR they are unable to interrupt social cues for the other to make communicating effective. Many of us parents learn of their abilities to socialize. With parents, it comes easy for many of the children. But when we step out and see our child become seemingly withdrawn or alone, it hurts to know that our loving, funny talkative fellow has no words to say to another. This in turn leads to other people believing our child cannot do things rather than believing that they need a little help in the right direction. So, as parents, there are steps that we can take to ensure that our little autistic beauties can find their voice among others.
If your child is a bit older, like teenage years or above, and still has difficulty understanding others, it might be wise to do some "role playing". If any of you have seen The Accountant (if you haven't, drop everything and watch it NOW), you might remember the scene where the old man in prison is teaching Christian (who is played by Ben Affleck) to detect emotions through social cues. Do the same.
Have a listen of different statements, yet flex your voice to give the statements different meanings. At first, your child is probably going to not understand. That's okay! If you keep working with it, they will start. Autistic people seem to always take things in a literal way. Idioms and sarcasm are going to be extremely difficult for them to detect or even understand the true meaning. So much more goes on between the lines of conversation than just the words. Body language, tone, facial expressions. They all have an impact on the interaction. Practice, practice, practice. I have no doubt that in time, a child with autism, though they may not reciprocate the feelings of body language and vocal tone, they might have a chance in seeing it in others and identifying it for what it really is. In turn, this can lead them to function much more smoothly in society, interact better with peers, and might even help form healthy relationships with others. It will be a long road, no doubt. But it is possible. They can learn anything, I know it.
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AuthorGabrielle Rae is a special needs, stay at home mommy of two boys. She enjoys reading and writing novels in her spare time. @onbothfrontsArchives
August 2018
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