I find that when parents speak to new teachers/care providers about their child, they often begin talking like clinicians (clinicalese) – “he has a hard time self-regulating/perspective taking/has an under-developed theory of mind…she struggles with executive functioning tasks…he becomes inflexible and rigid in thinking…she has sensory processing struggles”.
What I find much MORE MEANINGFUL is when parents speak like parents and dig into their deep well of experiences/actual examples – “She needs her toys to be in straight lines or else she freaks out”… “When playing outside with peers, he has a hard time giving them a turn (especially with his things). He could really use help working on this”…”Before the fire alarm goes off, you might want to warn him and give him headphones…he absolutely hates loud noises”… “Don’t touch him on his shoulders…he’s really sensitive there. Try a light wrist squeeze to get his attention”.
Actual examples are not stuck in theory and do not require the listener to access a book; they are immediately resonating images/messages that are concrete and accessible.
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