Social Communication
Both Neurotypical and Neurodiverse children and adults benefit from social communication support. Areas frequently targeted include social interactions, social understanding, verbal communication, non-verbal communication, language processing, and culturally responsive understanding of differences between individuals.
The importance of social communication
Social Communication allows individuals to establish connection and build relationships with others. Relationships built upon trust, openness, and acceptance benefit individuals and communities as a whole. Asking questions about and maintaining an open mind allows us all to learn from and support each other which leads to greater success for everyone involved.
Neurodivesity model
- Self Advocacy
- Functional communication
- Sensory and emotional regulation supports
- Perspective taking
- Strategies to increase social awareness
- Acknowledge the social expectations of self and others
What if my child is not speaking?
There are many non-speaking individuals who use other modalities to communicate and develop strong relationships with others.
Speech Therapy CO can work with you and your child to determine the form of communication that will be most accessible to them. Together you can identify the best ways to support your child’s communication and teach those in their school and community to do the same.
Does the environment my child receives therapy matter?
Yes! Social communication is dynamic and influenced significantly by the environment. This is even true for Neurotypical adults who engage differently at work with their boss and coworkers compared to when at home with their friends and family.
Giving children opportunties to role play and explore a variety of social situations outside of the home or a clinical office increases generalization of skills, embeds therapeutic input within a natural environment, and builds confidence.
What if my child's interests are very different from other children's?
Great! What a perfect opportunity for other children to learn about your child’s interests. This is also an opportunity for your child to practice curiosity.
Remember that everyone has different areas of interest, preferences, and tolerances. Learning to self advocate and be considerate of the needs of others is an essential part of social communication.