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7 Approaches to Persuade Language Reciprocity in Autistic Children

5th June 2020

In general, the autism spectrum disorders include a range of symptoms like hitches in verbal and nonverbal communication process, recurring behaviour or restricted interests along with the language reciprocity. In order to promote the social communication among the autistic children, it is significant to encourage the language reciprocity among the autistic children. Children with autism face a lot of difficulties to use language in a social approach and these are frequent in the social communication of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

However, these difficulties can be solved by an array of instructional practices that have been used to develop the social conversation. To help the children with autism, the peer networks also have been used broadly in which the peers (sometimes trained or untrained) serve up as communication partners. Well, in today’s world, it has become a platitude that autism is being considered by a lack of social or expressive reciprocity and that’s why it is extremely important to encourage to persuade language reciprocity among autistic children.  

However, before that, what is Autism?

In short, autism is typically a developmental condition which usually stays among the children life-long and they go through in many difficulties with communication practice, social dealings and restricted or cyclical interests with behaviour. Sometimes, autism is accompanied by sensory issues. BUT it doesn’t mean that children with autism are just not smart enough, undoubtedly they have a broad range of challenges but they also possess special abilities.

Now, let’s see the different ways to influence the language reciprocity in autistic children:

Note: It’s essential to keep in mind that each person with autism is only one of its kinds and a strategy that worked well with one autistic child may not work with another child.

Imitating or Mimicking

This method works really well in developing the language knowledge among the children with autism spectrum. This also encourages further vocalizing and communication practices among the autistic children. Mimicking a child’s sounds and playing behaviour helps them in understanding the language more but make sure you imitate or mimic so long as it’s a positive behavioural approach.

Never Overlook the Nonverbal Communication

Different kinds of nonverbal communication ways and gestures like eye contact etc. can construct a foundation for language among the autistic children. Try to embellish your signs by using both your body along with your voice while communicating. Try to use all those gestures which are easy for an autistic child to impersonate like clapping, opening hands, reaching out arms, and so on.

Play and Social Interface

Probably the most widely accepted method. We all know very well that children with autism learn effectively through play, and that contains the learning language. These creative ways provide an enjoyable opportunity for the child to communicate. Try to incorporate a variety of games that give happiness to the child. Examples can be singing, reciting the nursery rhymes, etc.

Simplification is Vital

In order to teach the autistic children, it is necessary for you to simplify your teaching language. This helps and the child to follow in a better way what you’re saying. The child finds it easier to understand to imitate your verbal communication. However, if the child is nonverbal, try to communicate mostly in single words and speak in short phrases.

Give the Child Space

It is essential to understand that when an autistic child doesn’t instantly respond (in most cases) you need to leave space for the child to talk. Being a teacher, it is significant to provide the child with lots of creative opportunities to communicate, even if the child isn’t communicating with you. Try to observe for any sound or body movement and respond at the appointed time. The speed of your reaction facilitates the child to experience the power of communication.

Add Visual Supports

You just cannot overlook this point. The assistive technologies and visual holds can do a lot more than you can ever imagine. These can encourage the development. You can incorporate different devices and educational apps with pictures. The visual supports can comprise different attractive pictures that the child can use to signify requests and feelings.

Understand the Interests

Follow the child’s interests, rather than disrupting the child’s attention, try to follow along with your words. By talking about what engages the child in a best way, you can actually help the child in learning the connected language and vocabulary in an effective way that lasts long.

The children with autism have much more to add to the social order and can live better lives only when they are being understood well. No doubt time is changing and different online autism courses for teachers are continuously extending their curriculum to help the children with autism, but it is more satisfying witnessing children with autism being accepted for the person he/she is, not for what people think their identification means.