Hello again!
In the previous two blogs, I talked briefly about the communication styles of children and then had a blog specifically on the Sociable communication style! Remember, when thinking about communication style, there is no right or wrong. It just tells us more about how they communicate with others and how that can help us with knowing how to teach them language and what to expect and know when something may off!
This week, we will talk about the Reluctant communication style. If your child has this communication style, it means that she/he responds to interactions with others more easily and has more difficulty with starting/initiating interactions with others. These are with both familiar and unfamiliar people to them. He/she will consistently respond when someone attempts to communicate or interact with him/her (especially those who are familiar). This communication style often feels like the child needs some “warm up” time before they will attempt to initiate with anyone (even those familiar) and the attempts can be easily missed because they can be subtle.
When we think about language disorders or articulation disorders in the Reluctant communication style, the child will still attempt to communicate occasionally, but the attempts can be easily missed due to them being inconsistent and often small. This can lead to decreased confidence when their interactions are not returned. They seem to require some warming up but will also respond to your initiations and be interested in interactions.
If you feel your child has likely a Reluctant communication style, there are different ways to go about helping them with language than other communication styles! If you have any concerns or questions about this, please do not hesitate to ask! Also, tune in next time for more information on the next communication style!
Have a great day!
~Amber