IS THAT CLEAR?: Effective communication in a neurodiverse world

by Zanne Gaynor, Kathryn Alevizos, Joe Butler

Overview

Whether we're aware of it or not, we will all know an autistic person, which makes this exciting new book an essential read for all.

Language experts Zanne Gaynor and Kathryn Alevizos and autism consultant Joe Butler, combine their knowledge and experience in this unique and accessible guide to more inclusive communication in a neurodiverse world. 

Every autistic person experiences differences in communication. A lack of recognition of this can lead to miscommunication and heightened anxiety for many autistic people. Is That Clear? recognises and addresses this by offering practical tips, which have all been reviewed and endorsed by autistic readers. 

Condensed into bite-sized chapters, the book covers key areas from instructions and questions to figurative speech, the pitfalls of small talk and phone calls - and much more. 

A highly recommended read that sensitively promotes inclusion and diversity.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781916280038
Publisher:	acrobat-global
Publication date:	10/01/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	100
File size:	570 KB

About the Author

Joe Butler is an education consultant who has worked with autistic children and young people for over twenty years. For the majority of that time, Joe taught and led in an autism specialist school for pupils aged 4-19, latterly as head teacher. She continues to work in both mainstream and special schools in an advisory capacity for Nottinghamshire County Council, and is an Autism Education Trust (AET) Training Partner. Joe provides consultancy and bespoke training for education, youth and adult organisations across the UK through her company SEND support. She regularly speaks at conferences and events, and is committed to learning from, sharing and amplifying the voices and experiences of autistic people to increase understanding and drive positive change.

Table of Contents

Contents

Foreword by Joe Butler 9

Preface by Zanne Gaynor 16

and Kathryn Alevizos

1. Adapting your language

1.1 Pause and pace 20

1.2 Unnecessary words 22

1.3 Disappearing sounds 24

1.4 Instructions 26

1.5 Questions can be difficult 30

1.6 What are you really asking? 32

1.7 Make it personal 34

1.8 Expressions of time 36

1.9 Ambiguous language 38

1.10 Getting your wires crossed 40

1.11 Tricky word sets 42

1.12 When politeness is a problem 44

2. Inclusive not exclusive

2.1 Making small talk work 48

2.2 Did you hear the one about ...? 52

2.3 Including everyone 54

2.4 Making groups work 56

2.5 Valuing different identities 58

3. Different ways to communicate

3.1 Non-verbal communication 62

3.2 Visual aids 64

3.3 Written communication 68

3.4 Phone calls 70

3.5 Online conversations 74

3.6 Talks and presentations 78

Conclusion 80

10 steps autistic people need you to take 82

Note 84

Appendix A: Ambiguous time expressions 87

Appendix B: Idioms 88

Appendix C: Tricky word sets 90

Answer key 93

About the authors 96

Acknowledgements 98

Editorial Reviews

At long last, here's a book that acknowledges how

confusing non-autistic people can be for us autistics and

supports and empowers them to make their communications

with us more successful. This is a practical guide that urges

non-autistic people to evaluate the way they interact with us to

reduce confusion.

- Dean Beadle, autistic speaker/trainer, writer and singer

Anyone reading this guide should be able to easily take on

board the recommendations and implement them into day

to day life. Those who are able to make adjustments will

definitely support more effective two-way communication.

Emma Chantler, Autism Education Trust

Nice to see publications like this being produced, that take a

respectful approach to communication with autistic people.

Dr Damian Milton

A book like this is incredibly validating and will not only

make for better communication between autistic and allistic

people, but will change the way that people see and respect

how autistic people communicate. It's such an important

book and twists the narrative on its head, so thank you.

Erin Ekins

This book really helps you realise how much further we all

have to go to make it a truly accessible society. It should be

handed out in every establishment in the country!

Geoffrey Hames

As the parent of an autistic son, this is enlightening - an

essential read that opens our eyes to the power and

importance of kind, considered, effective communication.

Jane (and Jamie) Lush

I like the way this book's broken down - really useful for

many of the people I see on our autism in the workplace

training who are developing their understanding of autism.

Lorraine MacAlister, National Autistic Society

This all looks great and seems very well thought out and

presented and was very easy to follow. I hope it does well

and makes a positive difference. It was helpful without

feeling patronising - a breath of fresh air.

Peggy Powell

From the Publisher