One of the most nuanced aspects of social communication is understanding when to express our thoughts out loud and when to keep them to ourselves. This can be particularly challenging for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as they may have difficulty determining what's appropriate to verbalize and what's not.
The Challenge of Discerning Thoughts and Speech
Children with ASD often struggle with the concept of "think it or say it" due to differences in understanding social cues, perspective taking, and impulse control. They might say something inappropriate or hurtful, not out of malice, but simply because they thought it, therefore, they said it.
The Importance of "Think it or Say it"
Despite these challenges, it's crucial to help children with ASD understand this concept. Here's why:
Social Appropriateness: Understanding the distinction helps children navigate social situations more appropriately, preventing misunderstanding or offense.
Relationship Building: Mastering this concept can assist children in forming and maintaining healthy and positive relationships with peers and adults.
Self-Regulation: It helps children with ASD develop better self-control and decision-making skills.
"Think it or Say it" at Oasis Social Center
At Oasis Social Center, we're committed to helping children with ASD understand and apply the concept of "think it or say it". Through interactive activities, role-play, and discussions, we teach children how to differentiate between thoughts that should be shared and those that should be kept private.
Our approach involves promoting empathy by helping children understand how their words can affect others. We also foster self-regulation by teaching them strategies to control impulsive speech.
Our goal at Oasis is to equip children with the tools they need to navigate the intricacies of social communication confidently, paving the way for more positive and rewarding social interactions.
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