The Importance Of Communicating

At the last meeting, our speaker, Janelle Wolff talked about Autism in Children. Autism has a broad spectrum and is often misunderstood by those who do not have a direct connection to people experiencing its many complexities.

Janelle focused on the area of communication. The challenges that are experienced when a break in how, and in which method, verbal communication, body language, and overall facial cues (or a lack thereof) are interpreted, is frustrating for all parties involved.

As an over 25-year SLP (speech/language pathologist), Janelle has practiced many ways to reach her students and patients. One method she is passionate about is the ability for those with autism to spell out words rather than trying to verbally articulate a conversation. This strategy has a person pointing to letters on a board that enable them to converse with their hands rather than their mouth. Although it is not a widely accepted practice, Janelle hopes the idea and method will gain traction over time. 

As she noted in her remarks, “nobody needs to be silent.” Janelle champions those who in many instances feel marginalized and unheard. We were all encouraged to see others through a compassionate and empathetic lens.

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