Developing Language Skills: Help for Children with Asperger's and HFA

By Mark Hutten, M.A.
Instead of delaying language development, AS and HFA impairs the subtleties of social communication. These boys and girls have difficulty understanding nuances (e.g., irony, sarcasm, fanciful or metaphoric language, etc.), and many of them take language literally (e.g., expressions like “watching paint dry” or “smart as a tack” leave these kids very confused).

These kids also have difficulty interpreting and displaying non-verbal communication. Body language, facial expressions, the use of personal space, gestures and postures are often mysteries to boys and girls on the autism spectrum. This inability to instinctively comprehend unspoken communication has led some experts to suggest Asperger’s is actually a non-verbal communication disorder.

In this post, we will discuss the following:
  • Characteristic Checklist for Asperger’s and HFA 
  • Language Disorder 
  • Parenting Tips for Helping with Language-skills Acquisition 

Click here for the full article...



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