SLP 188: Why your words can cause meltdowns and what to say instead

Join Sue for an upcoming Live Virtual Workshop where you will learn from Sue practical tips & strategies to make a difference.

In this episode, we will discuss:

✅ Children with autism often struggle to understand the inferred intent of language due to mind blindness, leading to difficulty following instructions. ✅ Certain words like "stop" and "no" can cause confusion and trigger an overreaction or escalate behaviour in children with autism. ✅ When using words like "stop," make sure to add more information to tell the child what they should do instead of what they shouldn't do. ✅ The words "could," "would," and "can" often sound like a choice rather than a direction, leading to confusion for children with autism. ✅ It's better to use clear and direct language like "start work" to avoid confusion and promote understanding ✅ Focusing on telling the child what to do instead of what not to do is more supportive and directive. ✅ It's important to use language that conveys the intended message clearly to ensure the child's safety and learning. ✅ Mind blindness can also cause difficulty in understanding another person's perspective. ✅ Teachers can improve communication by understanding the power of their words and using language that is clear, direct, and easy to understand. ✅ By making these changes in language, teachers can avoid triggers and improve communication with children with autism.

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