Embedded Files
Social communication skills, also known as social-pragmatics, refers to the way that people comprehend and use verbal and non-verbal skills to communicate with others. Social-Pragmatic deficits are most often observed in people on the Autism spectrum, although they can also exist in people with other diagnoses, such as ADHD or Developmental Language Delay.
Social Stories
Social Stories
Social Stories are an evidence-based intervention for students with social-pragmatics deficits. The video link below includes an excellent explanation of social stories and explains a framework for writing them. The other link will take you to a website with many printable social stories that are free!
Autism and Echolalia
Autism and Echolalia
The links below provide general information about Autism as well as children who use echolalia. Natural Language Development is a framework of language development that includes echolalia as part of the natural language development process. If you have a child who uses delayed or immediate echolalia, please see the link about Natural Language Acquisition. Also be aware that if your child is a gestalt language processor, any of the language norms that we typically refer to do not apply to them.
What is Autism? (CDC) Natural Language Acquisition Resources
Spelling to Communicate
Spelling to Communicate
There have been several documentary films released recently that promote the idea of teaching spelling as a means of communication for Autistic people who are non-verbal. While spelling itself is a valuable skill for all communicators, the methods that are promoted in these films as "magic" fixes that unlock previously hidden communication skills are known as "facilitated communication" (FC) or "rapid prompting," (RPM) and have been shown to have no evidence base. FC and RMP are not supported by ASHA. Using Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) IS an evidence-based practice; however, systems that involve ONLY the use of spelling that is specifically taught by FC or RPM are NOT considered to be evidence-based and have even been shown to be harmful in some cases. Please read the following articles for more information on this topic:
Spectrum Article ASHA Position Statement on FC
Page updated
Report abuse