Attempting to “read expressions” is often a challenge for those on the Autism Spectrum. The reason is scientific, and not a choice the person is making. This fact helped me better understand raising my son Sam who is diagnosed with ASD. In the following video excerpt from “Coping to Excelling” documentary, it is explained that the frontal lobe of the brain, called the Fusiform Gyrus, is different in both anatomy and function, often confusing the person with Autism as how to respond.
Reading facial expressions is a learned behavior and may be taught, early on, by way of play acting or by cards showing different facial reactions. We did this very thing with Sam and now, at age 28, he is able to navigate among neurotypicals in social settings.
You can teach Teach Turn-Taking Skills which will help with social behaviors. It is suggested to start with:
1.Talk Stick – who has the stick, it is their turn to speak.
2.Board/Video Games – this is all about turn taking. You will build essential turn taking skills.
3.Set Sayings: “My Turn, Your Turn” – This allows the child to learn when it is time to speak and when it is time to listen.
4.Conversation Prompt/Talk Card – For conversations outside of their particular interests, this helps them to hear others and what they are saying. At the very least, learning turn taking skills.
5.Video Modeling – My son learned so much about various personalities by watching programming. There was a cartoon were he still references behaviors by these personalities on the little screen. We had discussions many times, and still do, about a persons behavior mirrored from that very show.
A graduate of Abilene Christian University, Jennifer had a long career in TV Broadcasting. Upon learning her oldest son Sam had a form of Autism called Asperger’s Syndrome, she left her career and became a full-time mother to both of her sons. Jennifer elicited the participation of her family and together they produced several independent programs including a children’s animated series titled Ameriquest Kids, as well as a documentary and book titled, Coping to Excelling: Solutions for School-age Children Diagnosed with High-Functioning Autism or Aspergers Syndrome. She formed the nonprofit Asperger101 to provide on-going free resources related to ASD at Aspergers101.com and has implemented the Texas Driving with Disability Program and continues to grow the statewide initiative today. She and her husband have recently retired to their property in the Texas Hill Country.