10 Years Ago … and Declarative Language
Updated June 2022
I realized that people visiting this page may be learning about declarative language for the first time! Below are two articles that give an overview of what declarative language is, to get you started on your journey of discovering how powerful it can be when we change up our communication style to be one that is positive and inviting.
I began speaking and writing about declarative language over 10 years ago, and in 2020 self-published Declarative Language Handbook to really get the word out! Please enjoy these articles from 2018 (What We Say and How We Say It Matters) and 2010 (The Critical Importance of Declarative Language Input) for a basic understanding and overview of what declarative language is and why it is important.
But then …. I do hope you look to my book for updated and in depth information on declarative language, and my blog for examples and further applications that I continue to discover, learn about, and appreciate!
An important note about my articles
The one thing I love about my field, is that I am continually learning – about so many things. When I first started sharing what I had learned about the importance of declarative language and co-regulation, the language used to talk about autism was different. Although I used terms that were accepted at the time, I have since learned that language, such as “child with autism”, “autism spectrum disorder” and “ASD”, is hurtful to the people I was trying to help. I’m not able to change my wording in articles previously published in Autism Spectrum Quarterly and Autism Asperger’s Sensory Digest. But, I am sorry for any harm that my words caused, or continues to cause as these articles are read and shared. Now that I know better, I will do better.
I’d also like to credit Marge Blanc, MA, CCC-SLP for being a role model to me in how to be accountable in this way.
Below is my original post from my own 10 year anniversary of discovering and writing about declarative language!
December 6, 2020
For this week’s post, I am taking you with me on a trip down memory lane. I published my first article on declarative language in 2010 in Autism Spectrum Quarterly. Although this magazine is now out of print, I loved it and was honored to be an author among many who have inspired me – Barry Prizant, Steven Gutstein and Karen Levine to name a few.
At the time, I was motivated to write this first article because I was SO tired of listening to people use directive (“imperative”) language with the autistic community. I knew it could be better and needed to find a way to share my ideas on this topic with a clearer voice.
Although it has been 10 years since this article was published, I feel its message still rings true. And what I have also come to realize - with the help of other great clinicians such as ADHD Dude/Ryan Wexelblatt, Sarah Ward and Kristen Jacobsen - is how powerful declarative language is for all individuals with social learning differences and diagnoses, and well… with my own kids too!
I hope you enjoy this first article. Please share it and continue to spread our message far and wide!
Have a great week!
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