Declarative Language: A New Strategy for Neurodivergent Communication
Mar 21, 2024
auto_awesome
Linda Murphy, author of The Declarative Language Handbook, discusses reframing communication for neurodivergent individuals. Topics include declarative language vs. imperative language, benefits of declarative language in reducing stress and building relationships, and effective communication strategies for connecting with neurodivergent kids.
Declarative language reduces stress in neurodivergent individuals by avoiding direct demands and pressures.
Passive-aggressive statements align mechanically with declaratives but differ in intention, emphasizing positive communication and genuine intentions.
Deep dives
Declarative Language and Neurodivergent Communication
Neurodivergent individuals communicate differently and benefit from declarative language over imperative communication. Imperatives or questions can create stress responses, while declaratives guide without demands. Using declarative language fosters smoother communication and engagement, especially with neurodivergent children. Linda Murphy's Declarative Language Handbook promotes constructive interactions by focusing on experience sharing and positive intentions.
Passive-Aggressive Communication vs. Declarative Language
Passive-aggressive statements align with declaratives mechanically but differ in intention. Declarative language emphasizes positive communication and genuine intentions without hidden demands. The effectiveness of declarative language lies in aligning verbal and nonverbal cues positively, ensuring a supportive and sincere communication approach. By maintaining a positive and clear communicative presence, passive-aggressive tendencies can be avoided, fostering trust and understanding.
Benefits of Declarative Language for Neurodivergent Learners
Using declarative language reduces stress responses in neurodivergent individuals by avoiding direct demands and pressures. Imperative and questioning communication styles can trigger stress-related behaviors, leading to communication breakdowns. Declarative language promotes a safe environment for learners to engage without feeling pressured, enhancing their willingness to participate and learn. By focusing on positive, non-demanding interactions, declarative language supports effective communication and relationship building.
Enhancing Relationships Through Declarative Language
Implementing declarative language techniques fosters stronger connections and smoother interactions between parents, teachers, and children. By offering guidance through comments rather than demands, declarative language promotes mutual understanding and cooperation. Building on a foundation of positive communication, declarative language helps establish trust and respect in relationships. Practicing declarative language consistently enriches relationships and encourages effective collaboration for better outcomes.
Often, neurodivergent people have a completely different communication experience than neurotypicals. They respond differently to regulation, attention, and motivation, and often parents struggle when trying to improve connections with their kids. Linda Murphy is the author of The Declarative Language Handbook, and we present an encore of our conversation from 2023, with ideas on how to reframe communication and break down barriers.
To learn more about the Neurodiversity University courses for educators, click the link, and get in touch with us through the contact page if you have questions.
Amanda Morin’s The Empathetic Edge podcast can be found here, bookmark it!
Linda Murphy is a speech language pathologist and RDI Consultant. She co-founded the “Peer Projects Therapy From the Heart” clinic in Beverly, Massachusetts, and has authored several books and numerous articles during her career. Linda has enjoyed working with individuals with social learning differences for over 25 years.