When I heard that Linda Murphy was writing “Declarative Language Handbook”, a hallmark of RDI, I knew that our Autism and Communication worlds were about to influenced by the cutting edge thinking of a truly remarkable expert in the field. What I wasn’t prepared for were the crisp, practical, useful guidelines that will make this the most important book on the shelf of clinicians and parents… The Declarative Language Handbook outlines specific strategies in a fresh, hands-on and real-world way.  I recommend this book without reservation.

Rachelle K. Sheely, PhD President & Co-Founder of RDIConnect 

As a seasoned clinician, I found that when I changed my language from imperative to declarative, I started to notice new competencies of children. I am continually amazed at how simple (but difficult!) changes in my language can be so powerful and bring about incredible changes in a short time. We are so fortunate to have Linda explain the principles of Declarative Language in a book. Over the years, I have applied parts of this approach with Linda's gentle guidance as a colleague. Yet, to have it all explained in one place, with excellent examples and practice opportunities, is so valuable. Thank you Linda for putting all the resources in one place, and, with this help, onward with my journey!

Martha Bargmann MS, CCC-SLP

Speech Language Pathologist at Massachusetts General Hospital  for  Children  

 
I am so happy to see a book dedicated to declarative language. The shift to increased student agency and teachers as coaches is dependent on a new kind of language in the classroom.  Declarative language elevates teaching to that new level. 
Melissa Andrichak MAT, First Grade Teacher 

Finally! An easy to read book that meets parents and educators ‘in the trenches’ with information and strategies that help our kids learn critical thinking, social problem solving and executive functioning skills. This book is proof of how making small shifts in our language can have far reaching results for our kids in the areas of social communication, problem solving and self regulation! 
Beckham Linton M.A., CCC-SLP

Social Learning Consultant /Coach   Heartland Social Learning Center LLC

A wonderful guide for using declarative language when speaking with children who have social learning challenges. As an adult diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, I understand the importance of helping children with social learning challenges become more confident with conversations and cope with perfectionism. The book explains perfectly how changing our language from imperative to declarative can make a world of difference when engaging in conversation with children.

Carla M.

What if people mostly used language with you to tell you what to do or to tell you that you should have done it better? I think you’d agree, that would get discouraging rather fast! For individuals with social learning challenges, this is too often their experience. Through this handbook, Linda guides us to notice how a shift in our use of language (from imperative to declarative) can fundamentally shift how children relate to us and the world around them. Through many practical examples and tips for developing our own use of declarative language, Linda provides us the tools to build positive, pro-active relationships with the individuals we parent, teach or counsel.
Michelle Garcia Winner, Founder of the Social Thinking Methodology, Speech Language Pathologist, MA-CCC

This book is practical and so user friendly. Each chapter is full of examples and stories that make it real. It's great to now be able to offer families and providers a comprehensive resource on declarative language.  When I consult to schools, this is a tool I always discuss - and now I can offer them far more information.  Thanks for finding the time to share your passion - to educate the world of the power of declarative language - to give people a step by step approach with many examples and tools to make the shift to declarative language.  Declarative language is simple and powerful. 

Deirdre Mulcahy Patch MS, CCC-SLP

Feeding Therapist/Speech Language Pathologist