Declarative Language, plain and simple, is stating out loud what one knows or thinks in the form of a comment. It may be used to share an opinion (“I loved that movie!”), make a prediction (“I think we are going to the movies tomorrow”), celebrate (“We had a great time today!”), observe (“I notice your friend would like a turn with that toy”), reflect on a past experience (“Last time this stopped working we checked the batteries”) or problem solve (“I think we should fix it with some tape”). It is language that does not require a verbal response, but often can lead a communication partner to action. Using declarative language is also one of the foundations of Relationship Development Intervention® (RDI).
Frequently when people talk to children with ASD, they do not use declarative language. Rather, they use imperatives – or language in the form of questions or directions that expect a correct answer in return. For example, “What color is that?”, “What is your name?”, “Say: block,” and “Look at me” are all imperatives. The problem with imperative statements is that they do not teach children with ASD how to be authentic communication partners. They teach them to answer questions in a predetermined way, or communicate in a scripted rather than creative way. Often families may come to RDI® because, although their child is verbal, they continue to communicate in rote ways rather than with creative, unique thoughts and language.
Mindful use of declarative language with children with ASD can make a huge difference in their ability to think, notice, problem solve, appreciate perspective, and communicate on a more dynamic level. The results of declarative language may not be as immediate as those with imperative language because it takes time to build and form neural pathways that have not yet been fostered, but the increased richness in overall communication makes its use very much worth the wait.
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Comments
Wow -- this is excellent overview of how to effectively teach children with ASD to communicate! As the parent of a 10 year old boy who is high functioning, I have had much personal experience in trying various interventions for my son. I completely agree that the use of declarative language is a very effective (and respectful) way to teach communications. It's a new way of thinking for many adults, but, I hope they will be able to make the shift after reading this article. Instead of molding ASD children and trying to force meaningless behaviors, adults need to actually teach these children how to communicate in a natural way! Some of my son's school teachers still say things like "Look at me" and one even taps my son on the nose first to get forced eye contact -- it makes me cringe and feel like screaming (but luckily they are not -his- teachers in the school). I look forward to reading more articles from Ms. Murphy!
Linda,
I read the three articles you wrote. They are very well written and informative. I look forward to reading more.
I love this article! We are an RDI parents for more than a year now and this has always been a huge deal for us to always make sure that we are communicating with our child in a dynamic and declarative ways. I'm also glad to read this kind of article more and more in the mainstream media to effect changes outside home. If only schools and communities would be able to understand more on how to communicate with our kids, it's already HOPE for us :)
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