Does the child exhibit verbal reasoning skills?
Many verbal children with autism have difficulty using their language to verbally problem-solve, as this is a more abstract skill. Verbal reasoning skills can include: • Making and explaining inferences: The child is, or is not able to make inferences and explain them. Example: While looking out the window watching the rain fall, a child with autism is asked, “How do you know it’s raining outside today?” The child responds, “Because I came on the bus”, which the child rides everyday, rain or shine. • Identifying problem situations: Can the child identify specific problems in his environment? Example: The child with autism wants to swing on the playground, but the swings are broken. The child cannot recognize or identify the problem situation (broken swings). As a result, he becomes quite upset because he cannot swing. • Identifying solutions for problem situations: Can the child resolve problems effectively in his environment? Example: A middle school child with autism breaks his penci
