Re: Re: How do I inspire language?????

Posted By A Son-Rise Message Board Participant on October 20, 1999 at 01:30:00:

In Reply to: Re: How do I inspire language????? posted byDoug Lipinski on October 16, 1999 at 13:04:50:

We used alot of written stuff with Curtis as well, like Jennifer mentioned. Mostly we used cue cards (and still do some) where we'd set up games or activities that we knew he'd be motivated to do and then start holding up cards to get him to practice language. After awhile, you fade out the cards.

We also created games where conversations and language were the main focus. We'd use cue cards and choice cards he could use if he didn't have the answer on the top of his head.

Also, bringing in other kids to have conversations in front of him, and video or audio taping other kids having conversations, has helped. It helps him to understand why he'd want to have a conversation.

When Curtis was at the point where he was speaking well, yet very repetitive in his speech and doing lots of speech isms, we made the choice to give him a clear message that all words were communication to people that were in the room with you. So we stopped repeating what he said and instead started treating all of his language as conversational.

If he was repeating lines from videos, we'd act confused and ask him to elaborate, giving him cues as needed either verbally or with cue cards.

His mind still wanders during conversations but we try to make him accountable for what he blurts out while we're conversing. Basically, treating him like a totally normal friend and saying "pardon" or "what do you mean?" when he says something that doesn't make sense. If this seems unclear to him, we'll write down what was said right before the outburst and then what he said and try to help him explain it. Interestingly, with a little detective work, we can sometimes see a connection with the subject although most people wouldn't understand it without the explanation. Then we practice having him explain it to us so he can explain it to those who don't understand. Many times, his non-topical outbursts are just his brain going in a number of different directions at once. If we point this out in a respectful way, like asking why he said that right now or asking him to elaborate, he can be more clear with what exactly interferes with the conversation he wants to have and what he needs to just explain more.
Gaylen

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Subject: Re: Re: Re: How do I inspire language?????

Comments:: We used alot of written stuff with Curtis as well, like Jennifer mentioned. Mostly we used cue cards (and still do some) where we'd set up games or activities that we knew he'd be motivated to do and then start holding up cards to get him to practice language. After awhile, you fade out the cards. : We also created games where conversations and language were the main focus. We'd use cue cards and choice cards he could use if he didn't have the answer on the top of his head. : Also, bringing in other kids to have conversations in front of him, and video or audio taping other kids having conversations, has helped. It helps him to understand why he'd want to have a conversation. : When Curtis was at the point where he was speaking well, yet very repetitive in his speech and doing lots of speech isms, we made the choice to give him a clear message that all words were communication to people that were in the room with you. So we stopped repeating what he said and instead started treating all of his language as conversational. : If he was repeating lines from videos, we'd act confused and ask him to elaborate, giving him cues as needed either verbally or with cue cards. : His mind still wanders during conversations but we try to make him accountable for what he blurts out while we're conversing. Basically, treating him like a totally normal friend and saying "pardon" or "what do you mean?" when he says something that doesn't make sense. If this seems unclear to him, we'll write down what was said right before the outburst and then what he said and try to help him explain it. Interestingly, with a little detective work, we can sometimes see a connection with the subject although most people wouldn't understand it without the explanation. Then we practice having him explain it to us so he can explain it to those who don't understand. Many times, his non-topical outbursts are just his brain going in a number of different directions at once. If we point this out in a respectful way, like asking why he said that right now or asking him to elaborate, he can be more clear with what exactly interferes with the conversation he wants to have and what he needs to just explain more. : Gaylen