Communication is one of the most important things to get right when working with people developing differently. However, it is also one of the easiest areas to overlook. Communication includes:
Some people may have challenges with communication that are easy to recognise – such as people with no, little, or delayed spoken language. However, it is easy to overlook more subtle difficulties with communication some people may have, especially if the language they use appears typical. For example, some people look to have good spoken language, but are struggling to understand what others say. Even people who are normally good communicators can struggle to communicate when upset, stressed, or under pressure.
Communication is important to preventing people experiencing anxiety, frustration, and isolation. However, often different neurotypes communicate in slightly different ways, which can make clear communication harder. Therefore, is always worth thinking about how we can communicate more clearly.
NHS Fife’s Children and Young People’s Speech and Language Therapy Service have a wealth of information and a wide range of resources available on their website. Their Facebook page “NHS Fife Speech & Language Therapy Service” is regularly updated with lots of handy hints and tips for communication, as is their twitter @banter4bairns.
They run a parent advice line where you can speak to a Speech and Language therapist about any concerns you may have about your child’s communication, and what might help. If you still need more help after calling the advice line, you can also make a request for assistance via a downloadable form on their website.
The Cerebra Network also has a handy guide for parents about communication with children with severe or profound intellectual disabilities.
There are many reasons why people with neurodevelopmental differences may experience difficulties around making and maintaining friendships. For example:
Struggling with friendship can be difficult, and lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Equally, some neurodivergent people can be very happy in their own company, and choose to spend time alone rather than with others. Both are ok!
If your child has expressed the desire to make friendships, but has struggled to this, here are some third sector organisations that might be able to help:
Relationship Scotland are a network that provide relationship counselling, family mediation, child contact centres and other family support services across Scotland.
Autism in Fife provide a range of social activities for autistic people.
Autism Rocks provide peer support and information through their Facebook page, and via weekly family days at their drop-in centre in Buckhaven, called Kaleidoscope.
Hyperclub in Fife offers Services to adults, children, and families with ADHD, physical and learning disabilities. These include a sensory room, karaoke disco, and children's groups.
The Yard Fife branch run adventure play services for disabled children, young people, and their families. You can attend a free taster session before deciding whether to become a member. You can also see a virtual tour of their premises at the link above.
Fife Young Carers supports children and young people up to 25 years old who has been affected by looking after a family member with a range of conditions and needs, including neurodevelopmental difficulties. They offer individual support, groups, day trips, information, befriending and advocacy for young carers in Fife.
Scottish Autism provide or support a range of social groups and projects. You can enquire with them directly here to see what is running. The Scottish Autism One Stop Shop also run a peer support group run for and by autistic adults.
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