Brain First Parenting with Eileen Devine

Ep. 15 | Why "Simple" Conversations Are Hard For Your Child

Brain First Parenting with Eileen Devine

Show Notes

SUMMARY - It is a common frustration among parents of kids with neurobehavioral differences that they feel like they cannot have even simple conversations with their children. Why is this such a common frustration and struggle? You guessed it-- it has to do with the brain, and how that brain works differently for that child or teen. In this episode, Eileen breaks down this common challenge, discusses the cognitive skills involved in having a seemingly simple conversation with another person, and how parents and other support people in a child's life can provide them with accommodations to help them be more successful in this area.

TAKEAWAYS: Having a back-and-forth, seemingly simple conversation involves a set a complex cognitive skills with which many kids and teens with neurobehavioral differences struggle. Once we peel back the layers of what's involved, from a brain perspective, to have a conversation with another person and can see clearly the complexities involved, what was previously frustrating regarding a child's behaviors now makes more sense. Once the behaviors make more sense, because lagging cognitive skills have been identified, then the parent or support person has a clear path toward providing effective accommodations. The list of cognitive skills involved is lengthy and examples are provided in this episode. The list of accommodations is also lengthy! Examples of accommodations are also provided in this episode.

RESOURCES:

Blog Post: The 6 Ways Your Child Might 'Talk the Talk,' but Can’t 'Walk the Walk'

Blog Post: Understanding the Window of Tolerance - Pt. 1

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