Many children with ASD have Mind Blindness, meaning they are often literal and don't know the inferred intent of language. This often leads to difficulty understanding another person's perspective.

This can mean certain words are often very confusing, for example, children with ASD typically struggle with the words STOP and NO. If an adult says STOP what does this mean? Do they mean stop breathing? Stop moving? Stop eating? STOP does not tell a child what they can do - it only tells them what they shouldn't do. When you have to use STOP make sure you add a little bit more information so the child knows what they should do i.e. STOP working, pencil down, it's time to listen.

Show notes for this podcast are at:

https://suelarkey.com.au/slp-029-why-your-words-matter/

To learn more about teaching or understanding ASD please visit my websites below.

Australian residents: https://elearning.suelarkey.com.au/

Rest of the world: https://www.autismspectrumelearning.com/