Being a successful communicator involves the ability to listen, comprehend and process information, respond and utilize appropriate social skills. Nonverbal communication skills including use of appropriate eye gaze, body language, facial expressions, personal space and gestures are key to communicating successfully. In addition, tone of voice also affects how a communicative partner perceives the individual and what they are trying to convey. Understanding the meaning of what is being communicated is crucial to having a successful interaction, especially since there are often multiple meanings of words and phrases depending on the context of what is being said, as well as the constant use of metaphors and idioms embedded in the English language. Individuals that present with communicative disorders as a result of a variety of diagnosis such as Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, Nonverbal Learning Disabilities, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder often experience difficulty communicating effectively which impacts their ability to feel successful and interact in all aspects of life from making friends, completing school work, interacting with bosses, peers and others in the community.
Communication delays not only include a decreased ability to understand and use verbal and nonverbal communication skills effectively, it also affects problem solving, perspective taking (mind blindness/theory of mind), executive functioning and organizational skills. An individual with the above delays often experiences difficulty making friends, staying organized with school/job work and responsibilities, interpreting information conveyed by others, as well as presents with a decreased ability to read subtle verbal and nonverbal cues and recognize when he/she is interacting inappropriately. In addition, difficulty understanding and using appropriate tone of voice, abstract language, sarcasm and humor affect their ability to process complex dialog, respond appropriately and successfully complete interactions.
Individuals who experience communication difficulties can improve their skills by attending speech, language and social skills therapy/social coaching. Individual therapy teaches new skills and allows for practice one on one. Group therapy, as well as family/friend education assists in the generalization of newly learned skills. Communication success not only increases an individual’s self esteem, it improves success at school, work, home and in the community.
For more information, please contact Marcey Utter at 661-505-5832.