Monday, March 10, 2014

Expressive Language


Autism is a wide spectrum. Within this spectrum, many differences and similarities are present. Some students with autism are verbal; yet lack strong social skills, where other students can be completely non-verbal. Expressive communication is language that is expressed through thoughts, ideas, opinions or observations, conducted either verbally or written. In order to implement appropriate teaching strategies for expressive language, it would be beneficial to refer to the UDL checklist, in order to provide appropriate instruction for the specific individual. However, an important teaching instruction for expressive language is how to communicate appropriately. Some of these expected communication behaviors including choices, knowing when to take a break, and past event cards. Cards can be a symbol used to express these needs.
Choice cards allow the child to make a personal choice. Choice cards can be used to decide what activity to be conducted first, or can be used as a transition resource. The transition resource provides choices for the individual for rewards after a completed activity. Break cards can be represented when the child is beginning to become frustrated, and needs some time to calm down and regroup. A break card can also be used when the student needs to use the rest room or visit the water fountain.. Past event cards also use a visual representation of the system of events. Cards that relate to past events can incorporate the child’s day, discussing what was for lunch and what types of books were read at school.

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