As a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and the mother of a grown son with high functioning autism, I've always felt that my son, Doug, has received the most speech therapy introduced to any human being in the civilized world! Within that focus of language has, of course, been figurative language skills by the bucket loads. I wasn't sure if it was ever going to stick in Doug's noggin that everything that is said can't be taken literally. As ASD people grow older the demand for the understanding of this kind of language intensifies in the work environment, among peers, in movies, and anywhere that life takes them. When they miss the cues in life, that life passes them by.
The wonderful news to share is that people with high-functioning autism and Asperger's syndrome do eventually learn figurative language skills. They are not only capable of learning them and understanding them but using them and creating new ones on their own.
I know first-hand how important it is to start by “planting seeds” of figurative language in the fertile area of the brains of children with autism. We must start early by giving our children choices which enables them to make decisions and to be independent as they grow older. We must find humor in daily events and point it out to them. We must “make” humor by stumbling over our own feet and laughing at ourselves or by finding the joy in splashing in the bathtub or blowing bubbles together.
We need to laugh with our ASD children and adults and ask “what's silly about that?” presenting statements like “I went to the post office to pick up some milk today” or “That kitten just barked at me” or “Today I fed the elephants in the back yard before leaving for work.” This will give them the ability to see humor, understand language, and learn that words can change meaning. Every night at the dinner table our family of four would go around as each one of us made up a “silly sentence.” We determined together what was silly about it and what could make it right. We laughed together about something that was funny in the present time.
As an SLP and as a parent I teach individual idioms such as “it's raining cats and dogs” but we don't have to teach every idiom in our native language. Generalization can and will prevail. It takes time and persistence. Use picture cards, photographs, cartoons, everyday situations whenever and where ever you can. Don't wait for a big or commercial program to teach figurative language skills. Use everyday “teachable” events and moments.
Today, my son, Doug, who is 37 years of age, works full time on the Las Vegas Strip at the premiere Mobil five-Star, AAA five-Diamond, and Michelin's five red pavilion Resort, The Wynn Las Vegas where he is a spa linen runner. Doug not only understands his fellow workers, he jokes with them, teases them and uses idiom frequently. He creates his own idioms in describing his day to his family. He understands his world - most of the time!
Communication is THE most important aspect of a person's life. Yes, as a mother and SLP I may have waited a long time to see that figurative language shine and thrive in my son, but the journey has been worth it. After all, “life is just a bowl of cherries.”
