Autism Soccer: The Importance of Understanding Non-Verbal Communication

Signaling, writing, learning sign language and other ways of expression are often behaviors of kids with special needs.

Special children can show a variety of signs of their condition, but one of the most widespread ones is their lack of verbal communication. This means they are more likely to express their mind and feelings through other forms of communication, like body language or sounds. It is especially important for parents, caretakers and teachers to understand they are trying to convey messages through a different system that makes them feel more comfortable and why these ways of communication are vital for them to feel safe and understood by those around them. Sometimes these ways of relating will take the form of signaling, or something more complex like the utterance of sounds in a certain order without words in them.

They have something to say

Not being able to express things through regular ways we use doesn’t mean that they don’t have anything to share. Kids with disabilities often have creative ways to communicate, whether that is through signaling or interacting in a more active way than how they normally would. This helps them interact and it’s important for you, as a member of their close circle, to pick the signs right away.

Encourage them to express

Sometimes, these kids will feel misunderstood or frustrated by the fact they are not taking the usual path of expression others use. You need to assure them that regardless of how they do it, they are loved and the way they interact is correct. If the behavior is physically hurtful, teach them other ways to do it, but never tell them that it’s not correct to express. Just find different ways, but always let them know you are happy that they are assessing their opinions.

Let them feel confident

Children with special needs are particularly prone to bouts of depression and frustration over their condition and you, as a caretaker, need to make sure these feelings are tackled down and smoothed as soon as they appear. Teach them they are indeed different but that it doesn’t make them less of a person. Let them know that their ways of expressing are correct and help them reach their desired goals. Remember confidence is a bridge to more communication with you and the rest of the world.

Non-verbal is great and verbal is great too

In some cases, kids can fear to take a different approach to their communication, and would rather stay in just one lane. If you see them struggling, let them know that their preferred form of expression is ok and that they are loved and should be proud of either way they chose to convey their mind and feelings. These assurances need to be frequent and strong, as they need to feel they are in total control of how they decide to get across their message.

Children with special needs have a different and unique way to see the world, and they love to do the things that draw their attention and expressing said love through different methods. You are responsible for making them feel loved and respected, and as such, you need to find ways to encourage their participation in physical activities that will offer them enjoyment and the necessary exercise. Here in Autism Soccer, you’ll have a team of professionals prepared to help your child reach their goals, regardless of their preferred form of communication. Be a part of this excellent initiative in Florida!