Language and communication barriers are one of the greatest challenges for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their loved ones. Those with ADS may have trouble understanding language and responding to oral cues and questions. Others may have trouble expressing their needs in response to questions or struggle to follow oral directions. These challenges cause delays in language skills that can be stressful and frustrating for both children with autism and their families. The early teaching and practice of receptive language skills can help children with autism and their loved ones build strong verbal and nonverbal communication for life. Online programs from the aba|tools app provide diverse analysis and ABA training for receptive language skills and receptive identification with the ease of an app. Learn more by contacting us online.
What Is Receptive Identification?
Receptive identification is the ability to respond to another’s words. Sometimes this includes pointing at an object a parent or therapist is naming. Other times receptive identification refers to following instructions, identifying and engaging with objects such as toys, or taking directions from a video. Receptive identification allows us to interact with the world through receptive language skills or our ability to understand words and language.
Some children may struggle with receptive identification yet make it appear they understand by picking up keywords and information for their surroundings. Language skills practice and assessments help parents, doctors, and therapists determine the right course of receptive language therapy. Once children begin practicing receptive identification and language skills, they will also practice expressive language, learning to voice their own needs and opinions.
Tools Developing Receptive Language Skills
Developing language skills can be a fun and easy way to engage with your child in any setting. By practicing receptive identification, you’ll strengthen your relationship and their connection to the outside world. Here are some ways to practice receptive identification at home:
Play a Game of “I Spy”
Games like “I Spy” allow a child to survey the environment for an object, color, animal, or person to identify and name, strengthening receptive and expressive language skills. This is a great game for indoor and outdoor settings and is perfect for road trips.
Follow Directions Together
Modeling is essential for language and life skills development. By following directions together in real-life situations such as following a recipe or checking groceries off the shopping list, children practice receptive identification and valuable life skills.
Play “Simon Says”
The classic game “Simon Says” is a simple way to practice following directions from verbal cues.
Play “Twister”
Twister is another classic game for following directions and engages the whole body for fun, challenging language development.
Reading Time Is Not Zone-Out Time
Reading together needs to become more than an adult modeling how to read text aloud. Instead of reading the same books in the same ways, try to mix it up. Whether the book is full of words, pictures, or both, model the kinds of critical thinking skills that will help your child understand the relationship between thoughts and words rather than encouraging your child to zone out or just listen. Make comments about relevant events or images in the book that will help your child connect their own experiences to what they see in front of them.
Encourage your child to point at pictures in their favorite books as you read aloud to them or read together. Take extra time to identify and name characters and objects, asking your child to repeat them. Taking the time to play and explore the world around you with these and other games makes language skills training fun and engaging part of family life. Through frequent at-home receptive identification practice, children will be more prepared for success in school and beyond.
Register for aba|tools for More Information
Focus on your child’s language skills with aba|tools’ digital ABA software. Designed by a BCBA, aba|tools supports parents, clinicians, educations, and children. Our highly adaptable autism materials app focuses on verbal behavior for receptive and expressive language development. Bring the proactive, easy-to-use language learning aba|tools into your life today. To begin applied behavioral analysis activities, register with aba|tools today.
