What is communication?
Communication is the active process of transferring ideas or information between 2 parties. It is a complex learned behavior often described as a precursor for more advanced verbal and behavioral patterns. There are many forms of communication including verbal and nonverbal, sign language, body gestures, and object presentation to name a few. Communication involves use of language and nonlanguage skills.
What is language?
“Language is a socially shared code or conventional system for representing concepts through the use of arbitrary symbols and rule-governed combinations to the symbols”(Owens 2001, p7 as cited in Miller-Kuhaneck 2004). Echolalia is a form of language where a word or idea is repeated in the same tone and voice and is commonly heard in working with ASD individuals
Intentional Communication has 3 developmental stages including perlocution, illocution, and locution (Miller-Kuhaneck 2004):
- perlocution 6-9 mos where behavior is interpreted by parent
- illocution 6-12 mos joint attention development of gestures for pointing, reaching, and guiding. At this stage, an infant may eye gaze at a parent, then cross over to an object-making a noise. ASD individuals struggle with this stage and joint attention to combine words and intent
- locution 12-18 mos begin to combine words with intentional use
below is a for online help in establishi
ng and learning some signs:
