| Communication is an important part of our lives; | | | | So how can you effectively help special needs |
| we use communication both verbal and nonverbal | | | | kids, like those with autism spectrum address |
| throughout the day. For example, we read the | | | | their social skills deficits? |
| newspaper, maps, or computers, directories; we | | | | Simply by implementing methods such as special |
| use expressions, hand signals and so on. | | | | needs kids printable picture communication |
| As typically developing individuals we have a | | | | symbols (pecs) this method has been used with |
| naturally learnt ability to communicate effectively. | | | | good results for many years and is one of the |
| However that is not the case and some special | | | | major tools to help address communication |
| needs kids, especially those on the autism | | | | difficulties. |
| spectrum disorder scale. | | | | By using printable picture communication symbols |
| It is common to those on the autism spectrum | | | | parents, teachers, care givers and other |
| disorder scale to have communication difficulties | | | | professionals can communicate with the autistic |
| this is due largely to social skills deficits, which are | | | | child through means of small visual cards that can |
| always be present in all those with autism | | | | depict a want or want. So for example a teacher |
| spectrum. | | | | can communicate to the autistic child by showing |
| So what are social skills deficits". | | | | them a visual card that it is time for lunch, toilet, |
| Social skills deficits are a lack of the "theory of | | | | drink, or maybe art lesson etc. |
| mind" or "mind blindness". Individuals with autism | | | | The visual card should have an image with text |
| spectrum have deficits in | | | | that the autistic child will recognise and understand; |
| Social skills | | | | the visual support cards should be printable as well |
| Communication skills | | | | as laminated to protect them. |
| Imagination skills | | | | There are many sites offering special needs kids |
| Interaction skills | | | | printable picture communication symbols, as well |
| Collectively this lack of skills is referred to as | | | | as other visual support cards, social skills stories |
| social skills deficits. | | | | and support. |