Words are powerful. They can help and they can hurt. What we say to others – and to ourselves – can have a huge impact. Speaking with good purpose is about always considering the intention of our words. If we think before we speak instead of blurting out whatever comes to mind, we can learn to consider the reason for our words and make sure we are speaking with good purpose. We do not have to say everything we think!
Children and young adults with ASD often struggle to understand that their words and actions matter. Joel Shaul, LCSW, created these social stories to help his clients with ASD realize the power of their words.
Joel writes, “it seems helpful to use clear visuals and to equate the other person’s emotional pain and pleasure to physical pain and pleasure”. For more information about Joel Shaul and for awesome free visuals, go to http://autismteachingstrategies.com.
Two more strategies that we use at Autastic Avenues to help our clients speak with good purpose: “Your Social Filter” and impulse control to reduce “blurts”.
Contact us. We want to help. [email protected] or www.autasticavenues.com