Words are powerful, but they only tell part of the story! Think about how a simple smile, a raised eyebrow, or even how someone stands can change the whole feeling of an interaction. For many autistic people, nonverbal communication is their primary way of connecting with the world.
Why Nonverbal Cues Matter Imagine someone with their arms crossed and looking down. Even without a word, you get a sense they might not be in the mood to chat. Nonverbal cues are like an extra language we all speak! For autistic folks, this language can be even more vital. Here's why:
Busting the "Nonverbal" Myth Super important! Just because someone doesn't use spoken words DOES NOT mean they don't think, feel, and understand. Many are incredibly brilliant and observant! They just communicate in a different way. Understanding Nonverbal Communication Ready to learn a new language? Nonverbal communication is just as important as spoken words. Here's how to become better at understanding it:
The Takeaway: Understanding nonverbal communication opens doors! We build stronger bonds with autistic people and create a more inclusive world for everyone. It's about celebrating the many beautiful ways we express ourselves. Want to Know More?
Let's break down those communication barriers and celebrate the power of connection! Signing off...Laura the Explorer 🚀
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"Sit still!" – it's a phrase we hear frequently, especially aimed at kids in school. But what if sitting still feels impossible? For many autistic children, staying in one spot for a long time isn't just hard – it can feel overwhelming or even wrong. There's a reason for that, and understanding it means we can help them thrive.
Forget Being Naughty, It's About the Brain When an autistic kid struggles to sit, it's not about defiance or ignoring directions. Here's what could be going on instead:
How We Can Help Instead of forcing a child to sit still, let's get supportive! Here's how:
Why It Matters: The Power of Movement Sitting still might seem like a small thing, but for many autistic children, it's HUGE. Not being able to move can affect:
The Best Part When we respect a child's need for movement, AMAZING things happen. They focus better, feel happier and more understood, and their learning skyrockets. The Takeaway: It's not about "fixing" the child. It's about adjusting the world a little and teaching them how to manage their unique needs. By meeting them where they are, we create a space where they can learn, connect, and thrive. Signing off...Laura the Explorer 🚀 Sleep problems are frustratingly common for autistic individuals. As behavior analysts, we know these problems go deeper than just feeling tired. Our job is to understand the functions behind these sleep issues and find practical solutions that work.
Why Sleep Can Be So Tricky for Autistic People Let's break down some of the reasons why autistic people have a tougher time with sleep:
It's Not Just About Tiredness Sleep problems can have a ripple effect for autistic people, causing:
The Behavior Analyst's Angle As behavior analysts, we're practical problem-solvers. While understanding the science behind the sleep struggles is helpful, we're more focused on:
Solutions Time! Here's where behavior analysts get to work:
The Takeaway: A behavior analyst doesn't ignore the "why" of sleep issues, but we prioritize finding what works. By focusing on the behaviors around sleep, we empower autistic individuals to get the rest they deserve and thrive! Signing off...Laura the Explorer 🚀 Many autistic people experience the world differently, and this can sometimes affect their understanding of safety. It's not that they don't care about being safe, but they might not recognize dangers or respond to warnings the way we expect.
What Makes Safety Tricky? Here are a few things that can make safety awareness challenging for autistic people:
How Can We Help? Here are some ways to support autistic people with safety awareness:
The Takeaway: Every autistic person is unique. Understanding their individual needs and sensory preferences is key to creating a safe and supportive environment. Signing off...Laura the Explorer 🚀 You might see someone flapping their hands, rocking back and forth, or humming to themselves. These actions are called "stimming" and they're a normal and important part of how autistic people manage their world.
What Does "Stimming" Look Like? Stimming can take many forms:
Why Understanding Stimming Matters Here's why stimming is something to pay attention to:
The Takeaway: When we view stimming as a tool for managing emotions and the world around them, we better understand autistic people and discover the best ways to help them feel comfortable and successful. Signing off...Laura the Explorer 🚀 It's easy to think of anxiety as this big, bad feeling that messes with people. But as behavior analysts, we need a more hands-on way to understand it. Here's the thing: anxiety is a type of behavior.
What Does "Anxiety Behavior" Look Like? Think of all the things people do when they're nervous:
Why Our Viewpoint Matters Here's why thinking of anxiety as behavior is a game-changer:
Signing off...Laura the Explorer 🚀 |
ExploreThis page explores common autism symptoms through a behavioral lens. You'll find practical explanations, strategies for managing challenges, and insights to encourage collaboration for the best possible support. ArchivesCategories |
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