There are so many things that your child wants you to know. We were inspired to write this blog from a wonderful book: “Ten Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew” by Ellen Notbohm http://www.autismspot.com/blog/MUST-read . This is an incredible book focusing on the top 10 things that your child wants you to know about them and how you can help them. We encourage you all to not only buy this book for yourself but also for everyone who works with your child….it is a must read!

After reading this book, we were encouraged to think about what other things our children would tell us and one of them is to…..SLOW DOWN.

SLOW DOWN your rate of speech. It takes your child a little longer to process words and concepts when compared to their peers. ….so slow down. They may understand the words you are saying and you may have given this direction to them before, but if you are talking too fast, they don’t get it. SLOW DOWN your words and your pace. When your child becomes upset, their understanding decreases (much like ours) so SLOW DOWN and focus on the words you want them to learn: mad, sad, no, break, etc.

SLOW DOWN the pace of your day. If you are constantly rushing throughout your day, this affects your child. The faster you go throughout your day, the more your child’s anxiety level increases. SLOW DOWN. When you find yourself going 100 miles per hour, take a deep breath and SLOW DOWN. Not only are you increasing your child’s anxiety level (which can lead to a decrease in understanding and an increase in emotional outbursts), but you may be going so fast that you miss out on great language and social opportunities or even just enjoyable moments with your child.

Overall, SLOW DOWN your words, your speech and your life and you will see the dramatic effect it will have on your child as well as on you. Sometimes we are so focused on what it is next, we forget about the RIGHT NOW.

~Amanda & Laura
KidSpeak, LLC
www.kidspeakdallas.com