Sunday, May 13, 2018

Functional Communication Training For Parents Simplified

By Douglas Myers


Children use the basic levels of communication. Their gestures, words and emotions are raw. They communicate about what they feel or want in their unique ways. Some of these gestures and messages are difficult to understand. This is why functional communication training for parents is so important. It helps the adults to decipher what children under their care want in order to provide.

Functional communication training is very important for all parents because it helps in strengthening the bond between them. However, it remains crucially important for parents or guardians of children with special needs like autism and ADHD. Such children try to voice their needs but cannot be easily understood. This is why special attention is required.

Communication training is not limited to guardians and parents. There should be an attempt to teach the children. This applies to a very small clique of children because of their obvious age and ability to understand. The parent or teacher must also be patient with children at this level. Children who understand this form of communication obtain an alternative channel through which they can pass their messages. It will be less frustrating for them to communicate their desires and feelings to adults.

The best trainer is a speech-language pathologist. You should turn to the pathologist if your child is having difficulties communicating what he or she needs. The pathologist will evaluate his mode of communication and areas that have difficulties. It must be noted that children have very unique difficulties and needs. This also means that the solutions provided must be unique. The role of the pathologist is to first identify the real challenge which ushers him to the next solution.

Human beings use three main natural modes to communicate. They either gestures, use body language or words. Even if a challenge arises, it will affect one mode more than the others. The role of the pathologist is to identify the most developed channel and find ways to enhance it. He has to draw a hierarchy that will inform the steps to be taken in finding a solution. This means that each child will require a customized package.

Children mainly use body language and gestures to communicate. It is manifested as they point at what they want or move towards it. They will also cry or be agitated while pointing at or learning towards the objects they desire. In case of displeasure, he or she will resist and even attempt to run away. Other options include the use of sign language, picture exchange and customized voice output devices.

The trainer, in most cases the guardian or parent needs to identify easy new words to teach to the child. Parents and guardians are preferred because they have the confidence and trust of the children beyond spending more time with them. They should be taught through a combination of channels like gestures and sounds. Beyond that, present an opportunity or temptation for the kid to use the new word or gesture. This serves are a practical learning moment.

It takes a great deal of patience for children to begin to communicate fluently. Try different words and scenarios to avoid frustrating your child. Each child has a unique ability to understand. Be alert to such uniqueness and find a way of going round it to achieve desired results. By trying severally, you will eventually communicate at one level or the other.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment