Making Sense of Social Cues
It is common for people with autism to either struggle with understanding social cues or to be completely oblivious of them altogether. Social cues usually require interpretation and have the potential to cause a great deal of anxiety for people with autism (where social development is often delayed). We had a number of experiences today with Jack that reminded us all too clearly of this fact.
We spent some time outside today playing with some of the children in the street who Jack knows quite well, as well as having my brother and his girlfriend call in for a visit. Jack coped really well with the extra people around (only a few instances of inappropriate language and head butting/physical outbursts), but a number of times we could see the look of total confusion on his face as he struggled to make sense of what was going on around him.
With Jack being relatively relaxed in his environment we were able to stand back and observe him from a distance, and we could see where he literally stopped what he was doing purely out of confusion as to the social happenings around him. At times remarks and gestures were made and Jack’s face would go blank as he looked from one person to another. Sometimes we could see the realisation of what had happened come over his face a couple of minutes later, and sometimes he missed the meaning altogether (then taking some time to get back ‘up to speed’ before rejoining the activity or conversation).
Although there were moments that were difficult for Jack, it was a great opportunity for us to be able to pull him aside and explain some of the things that were happening and what different things meant. (We don’t often get to do this as we are usually caught up with ‘behavioual stuff’ with him.) In fact, we could almost see him relax once he had an explanation and was able to understand what was going on around him.
We have now set ourselves the task of spending more time with him on this particular area of development - looks like more role playing and social stories are on the way…
November 4th, 2007 at 12:26 pm
Its good to hear that he can understand and learn, with your help he will go far.
November 4th, 2007 at 12:28 pm
It’s great, Casdok - we feel like we’ve had a real breakthrough today!
November 4th, 2007 at 9:57 pm
What a wonderful learning opportunity. Sounds like you too the fullest advantage of it. Great work!
November 6th, 2007 at 3:31 pm
Playing with more than one kid can be a challenge. It sounds like you are doing so much to help and that is great. Social stories are great. I think role playing with barbies, trains or whatever the child is into is a great help too. Our daughter can do terrific one on one but when there are several kids she becomes lost easier.