Helpful Tips For Communicating With Special Children

9th June 2023

Communication is one of the vital aspects of every living individual. It helps everyone to express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas. However, when it comes to children with special needs the situation can be more challenging. Children with special needs face plenty of difficulties to comprehend and process the language and understanding social cues as well. There are methods to help them so that they can communicate effectively and of the way is special education classes. However, according to one of the surveys of www150.statcan.gc.ca, the majority of children with special needs don’t attend special education classes.

After keeping this in mind, first, we need to encourage SEN children to attend the special education class and Teachers or parents can take the help of the Direct language.

Direct Language is a straightforward and literal way of speaking that is easy to understand. It involves using simple and concise language, avoiding figurative language, and being explicit in communication. with which they can communicate effectively with SEN children and help them to develop their communication skills as well.

So, without any further delay, let’s get to know more about Direct and other communicational language methods, with which you can help children with special needs.

What is Direct Language?

Direct Language is a communication approach that involves using simple and direct language. It is an effective way of communicating with children with special needs who may struggle with understanding social cues and processing language. Direct Language is characterized by its straightforward and literal nature, avoiding figurative language, and being explicit in communication.

Direct Language is also known as Literal or Explicit language. Literal Language is a type of language that involves using words in their actual meaning. It is a way of speaking that is straightforward and does not involve the use of figurative language or metaphors. Literal Language is easy to understand and is particularly useful when communicating with children with special needs who may struggle with understanding abstract concepts.

Below we have shared some examples so that you can understand direct language statements:
 

1. Write a 500 words essay on your school life.
2. Go and eat your lunch.
3. Turn off the TV.
4. Come and attend the class.
5. Pick up your school bag.

Note: Avoid using indirect or sarcastic language so that children with special need don’t get confused.

Overcome the Challenges To Have Clear Communication with SEN Children

1. Use Speaking with Intent Method

As an adult, we use idioms in everyday life. However, using idioms in a sentence can create confusion. Idioms examples are- Call it a day, Pull someone’s leg, etc.

Speaking with Intent is a communication strategy that involves being intentional and purposeful in communication. It involves using Direct Language, being explicit in communication, and being mindful of the needs of the listener. Speaking with Intent is particularly useful when communicating with children with special needs who may struggle with processing language and understanding social cues.

2. Avoid Using Figurative Language

Figurative Language, on the other hand, involves using words in a non-literal way to create a metaphor or analogy. Figurative Language can be difficult for children with special needs to understand, as it requires the ability to understand abstract concepts.

Examples:
 

• The new teacher is as tall as a giraffe.
• The new neighbour is as curious as a cat, nothing escapes her attention.
• The boy was as brave as a lion in the jungle.

3. Proper understanding of Language Processing Disorder

Many parents or even new teachers, who have done Online Special Education Courses in Indonesia, can think that those children who are only relying on direct language are flawed.

However, it’s not the case, most of the time language processing disorders are comorbid with other disorders that children with special needs are going through.

In the below example, A teacher is trying to convey student that he needs to come on time to attend class, in one statement it’s a kind of indirect statement, and in the other direct statement.

Indirect Language statement: Why aren’t you coming on time?

Direct Language Statement: You must come on time, to attend the class.

For children with special need, always try to use direct language statements.

Benefits of using Direct language with special needs children

Using Direct Language with special needs children has many benefits.

1. It can improve communication and understanding

2. Reduce frustration and miscommunication

3. Promote independence and self-advocacy

4. Direct Language can also help children with special needs develop language and social skills, leading to better communication and social interactions.

Strategies for implementing Direct language communication

Implementing Direct Language communication requires a deliberate and intentional approach.

1. Use Direct language which is simple and concise.

2. Avoid figurative language, which is explicit in communication.

3. Understand Language Processing Disorder could be comorbid with other disorders for children with special needs.

4. You can use visual aids as well to make them understand the concept of clear communication as well.

Direct Language is very beneficial for SEN students

Using the Direct Language is necessary but you also need to use the right statements Direct language is essential when communicating with children with special needs and teachers who have pursued Online Special Education Courses in Indonesia, know it very well. It involves using simple and concise language, avoiding figurative language, and being explicit in communication.

Using the right Direct Language statements can help children with special needs understand and process language more effectively, leading to better communication and understanding.

By implementing these strategies, parents and teachers can improve their communication with their special needs children, leading to better outcomes and quality of life for all involved.

Find the right course for you and try out the course. WhatsApp us at - 1-213-233-9490. You can also mail us at asiancollegeofteachers@gmail.com.