Tag Social Communication

Starting a conversation can be difficult for many children, teenagers and adults, particularly when they experience social communication difficulties.

Conversation initiation involves knowing how to approach another person, introduce a topic and create an opportunity for back-and-forth interaction.

These skills can be explicitly taught and practised using strategies such as open-ended questions, comments and familiar conversation starters.

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What is autism?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that can influence how a person communicates, interacts with others, processes information and experiences the world around them.

Autism is a spectrum, which means every autistic person has their own combination of strengths, characteristics and support needs. Some people may need support with communication, social interaction, sensory processing, emotional regulation or everyday activities, while others may experience different challenges or require less support in particular areas.

There is no single known cause of autism. Research indicates that genetic and developmental factors are involved, and autism is not caused by parenting style or something a parent has done.

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Recognising the early signs of autism can help families better understand a child’s communication, social interaction, behaviour and development. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, and signs can appear differently from one child to another.

Some children may show differences in how they communicate, respond to their name, use gestures, play with others, manage changes or respond to sensory experiences. However, individual signs do not necessarily mean that a child is autistic, and developmental differences can have many causes.

If you have concerns about your child’s development, speaking with your GP, paediatrician or another qualified health professional can help you decide whether further assessment or support may be appropriate.

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