{"id":1997,"date":"2012-11-30T17:18:46","date_gmt":"2012-11-30T17:18:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.speechbuddy.com\/blog\/?p=1997"},"modified":"2023-11-08T10:21:23","modified_gmt":"2023-11-08T18:21:23","slug":"how-to-talk-to-an-autistic-child-get-a-response","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.speechbuddy.com\/blog\/autism\/how-to-talk-to-an-autistic-child-get-a-response\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Talk to an Autistic Child & Get a Response"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Autistic<\/a>

Image source: Behance.net<\/p><\/div>\n

Every autistic child is unique, with his own set of particular challenges to overcome. If your autistic child has trouble with communication, talk to his speech-language pathologist (SLP) about at-home speech therapy activities and tools that can help him. Speech Buddies<\/a>, for example, have helped many kids with autism<\/a> learn to communicate more effectively. You can also use a few speech therapy techniques<\/a> to encourage your autistic child to respond to you. It may help to adjust the way you speak. Always keep your audience in mind.<\/p>\n

For example, if you\u2019re at a family reunion and somebody asks you what you do for a living, you probably wouldn\u2019t immediately jump into the details of corporate tax news. You\u2019d just say you were a tax preparer because you\u2019re less likely to get a blank stare in response. Likewise, by altering your language and the way in which you use it, you may be more likely to get a response from your child.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Use Visual Language<\/h2>\n

Write Out Sentences<\/strong><\/p>\n

Autistic children tend to think visually.<\/a> Use visual cues while you try to engage your child in conversation. If your child can read, write out a sentence to him and have him read it. Then speak the sentence and give your child the pencil to encourage him to write a response. Read what he writes out loud.<\/p>\n

\"Autistic<\/a>

Image source: Executivehm.com<\/p><\/div>\n

Draw Pictures<\/strong><\/p>\n

If your child cannot read or is not interested in exchanging written sentences, try drawing pictures. Sit next to your child. Provide both of you with paper and crayons. Draw a picture to represent the words you speak. For example, ask, \u201cJoey, would you like to eat an apple or a pear?\u201d while you draw both types of fruit. Ideally, Joey would draw a picture of the fruit he prefers. Just remember that, as Tim Tucker pointed out in yesterday\u2019s interview<\/a>, an autistic child<\/a> may require countless repetitions of activities.<\/p>\n

Use Descriptive Words<\/strong><\/p>\n

As well, phrase your instructions in a visual manner. In other words, word your sentences in a way that allows your child to form a picture of the words in his mind. So instead of saying, \u201cJoey, it\u2019s bedtime,\u201d try saying, \u201cJoey, I want to see you lying in your bed with your blanket on top of you.\u201d Instead of saying, \u201cGo potty,\u201d say, \u201cLook Joey, the potty room is over there,\u201d as you point to the bathroom.<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=O5hi85ebL70<\/p>\n

Additional Conversation Tips<\/strong><\/p>\n

An autistic child might be confused if you try to convey the same message with a variety of different sentences. Say something the same way every time. For example, you might say something like, \u201cJoey, please eat your cereal\u2026 Joey, you need to eat your breakfast\u2026 Joey, I got your favorite cereal, please finish eating it so we can go to school.\u201d Instead, pick one way to say the same thing and stick with it, no matter how many times you need to repeat it to your child before he\u2019ll respond.<\/p>\n

Here are a few other tips that may help encourage a response from your child:<\/p>\n