When talking about a child or young adult who has cognitive challenges, we recommend at MINDCAP to remember that they may understand more than you realize. It's not unusual for adults to talk about a child with autism or intellectual disability as if they do not hear us. But WHAT IF THEY DO? What if they understand more than we realize? Because it is sometimes difficult to determine, we suggest having conversations that are respectful with high expectations for the child in your presence. So whether you are a parent, caregiver, teacher, therapist, talk about children and young adults with their perspective in mind!
Thank you!
Dr. Jeanne Zehr, Executive Director of the MINDCAP Center
Expectations Are Important!
January 24, 2022