In Third Eye Enter Communication is a vital aspect of any child’s development.
It helps children:
- Indicate their needs.
- Share ideas.
- Build relationships.
- Know the world for what it is.
How communication develops in children with autism may be different.
Some children may communicate through:
- Spoken language.
- Gestures.
- Facial expressions.
- Pictures.
- Signs.
- Sounds.
- Communication aids.
Engaging activities can make communication practice:
- More enjoyable.
- More natural.
- More meaningful.
When children participate in activities they enjoy, they are often more motivated to:
- Interact.
- Make choices.
- Respond to others.
- Express themselves.
Why Engaging Activities Support Communication
Children learn best when they are:
- I’m interested.
- Comfortable.
Activities around their interests will allow for seamless opportunities to communicate without making the learning feel intimidating or forced.
Through enjoyable activities, children can practise:
|
Requesting |
Toys, materials, or help can be asked for. |
|
Making choices |
Selecting among activities or objects. |
|
Following instructions |
Following straightforward instructions. |
|
Answering questions |
Answering questions. |
|
Taking turns |
Taking turns in the course of the activity. |
|
Sharing attention |
Dividing attention among multiple individuals. |
|
Participating |
Participating in conversations and group activities. |
A goal may not necessarily be to produce spoken words.
Communication Through Play
“Play is one of the most useful ways of promoting communication.”
Teachers, therapists, and parents could make use of toys and games to create opportunities for interaction.
For example, a child may be encouraged to:
- Select one of two toys.
- Ask for a missing puzzle piece.
- Identify objects.
- Alternate turns in a straightforward game.
Pretend play can also help children practise everyday conversations, such as:
- Ordering food.
- Going to the doctor.
- Greeting someone.
This creates a sense of trust, which makes communicating with these children far more enjoyable.
Creative Activities
Creative activities may motivate children to express themselves.
For Examples:
- Drawing.
- Painting.
- Colouring.
- Building.
Students can ask questions the activity, such as:
- “Which colour do you want?”
- “What are you making?”
- “May I have the blue crayon?”
- “What might be added next?”
Children can respond by:
- Speaking.
- Pointing.
- Looking.
- Signing.
- Using pictures.
These activities also help children:
- Learn new words.
- Explain their concepts.
Music and Movement
Music offers us the opportunity to make practising a joy.
Songs with repeated words and actions help children learn through:
- Rhythm.
- Repetition.
Children may:
- Copy movements.
- Make sounds.
- Copy the passage when the music stops.
- Join in traditional tunes.
Movement games can also support:
- Listening.
- Following instructions.
The following activities promote group observation, waiting, and appropriate responses to commands:
- Action songs.
- Basic dance moves.
Stories and Picture Activities
Books and picture cards are great resources for communication.
- Characters.
- Objects.
- Actions.
- Emotions.
Children can:
- Refer to pictures.
- Answer questions.
- Recognise familiar objects.
- Predict future developments.
To better understand the stories, visual support can be used.
Pictures can also help children communicate their own:
- Needs.
- Choices.
For example, a child may use a picture board to select:
- A snack.
- An activity.
- A desired toy.
Encouraging Choices
Presenting choices is one simple way of encouraging communication.
The child can answer by:
- Speaking.
- Pointing.
- Looking.
- Using a communication device.
Choices enable children to learn that what they are doing when they communicate makes sense.
They also support:
- Independence.
- Reduced frustration.
Supporting Social Communication
Participating in group activities will give children the opportunity to practise social communication skills.
Examples include:
- Board games.
- Cooking activities.
- Craft projects.
- Cooperative play.
These activities can teach children to:
- Wait.
- Share.
- Listen.
- Request help.
- Engage with their peers.
- Give simple directions.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills.
- Allow children adequate time to respond.
Positive encouragement can help children feel:
- Confidence.
- More willing to take part.
Respecting Every Communication Style
Each child is unique.
Depending on the child, some may have fluent speech, while others may use other modes of communication.
All forms of communication should be:
- Respected.
- Encouraged.
Adults should be concerned with the child’s message rather than insist on one particular response.
When children feel accepted and supported, they are more likely to:
- Communicate.
- Participate.
Conclusion
In Third Eye Center Activity-based interventions offer a variety of activities that can provide many meaningful opportunities for children with autism.
The following activities can encourage interaction and self-expression:
- Play.
- Music.
- Stories.
- Creative projects.
- Movement games.
- Daily routines.
With the following support, learning can become more enjoyable and effective:
- Patience.
- Encouragement.
- Visual support.
- The importance of honouring each child’s style of communication.
A small achievement is a valuable milestone toward secure communication.
Examples include:
- Deciding on a toy.
- Replying to a question.
- Participating in a group activity.
FAQ
1. How does Third Eye Center support communication?
Third Eye Center uses engaging activities and daily routines to encourage interaction, choices, responses, and self-expression.
2. How can adults encourage communication?
Adults can offer choices, use visual supports, model communication, ask clear questions, follow interests, and allow response time.
3. Why respect every communication style?
Respecting each child’s communication style builds confidence, acceptance, participation, and self-expression.