Through Speech

Maintaining personal space, using eye contact, asking questions, and listening are all very important aspects of Socialization.

Socialization can be tricky; so many moving parts make it difficult to get a handle of them. When we interact with others, our social skills are judged on whether we are behaving in an expected or predictable way versus an unexpected, unpredictable, or unusual way.

I like to target 1-2 social skills at a time to make them feel more manageable and the individual to feel successful.

Using Visuals👀

Visuals can be incredibly helpful in getting our needs and wants met without feeling as though we’re constantly cueing our partner, nagging, reminding, or feeling misunderstood, unsatisfied, or inadequate. And they don’t necessarily require spoken language !

For example, let’s say there is a relationship where one of the members really values words of affirmation. They’re constantly asking their partner questions such as “do you think I look pretty in this outfit?” Or “do you like my new hairstyle?” The other member enthusiastically answers by saying “yes! Of course!” But it doesn’t feel genuine because they had to prompt them and “ugh! Can’t they just say these things on their own?! Do they not actually think it?”

Well, insert the sneaky visual. It could be a sticker, a coin, a ribbon, whatever! Both members decide what the object is and what it means before placing that object throughout the house or on frequently used items. It acts as a visual reminder for one member to provide words of affirmation and the other feels satisfied that they’re getting this need/want met!

I’m running out of room so check out the post on my website if you want to read more!!
Www.throughspeech.com > resources >strategies for better communication

Thanks!

There are so many ways in which we communicate with others. Some use verbal language, some use sign language, some use AAC devices (both high and low tech), some use braille. We can communicate using body language, facial expressions, sighs and I’m likely still missing some.

Regardless of how we communicate, it is not a reflection of our cognition or intelligence and it’s really important to remember that.

throughspeech

I’ve done a lot of research on neurodiversity, acute changes in language, and neurodevelopment disorders. And you know what? The majority of people with these diagnoses still want to form meaningful connections with others. Of course they do!

A language impairment can result in feelings of isolation, rejection, and hopelessness, among others in regards to relationships and intimacy.

We’ve gotta fix that.