romymdxcontexualstudies3rdyr

[romymdxcontexualstudies3rdyr]

Different forms of Nonverbal communication (For design outcome)

1. Facial expressions, 2. Body movement and posture, 3. Gestures (Includes sign language), 4. Eye contact, 5. Touch, 6. Space, and 7. visual aids (Includes PECS cards). Starting with 1. facial expressions, our faces can be extremely expressive, we have the ability to convey countless emotions without even saying anything. (Segal et al., 2022) Unlike other forms of nonverbal communication, facial expressions can be universal, if your face is showing happiness, sadness, anger, disgust or fear, these facial emotions are the same across cultures. (Segal et al., 2022). 2. Body movements and posture can make you consider the way you carry yourself, the way you move can communicate a lot of information to others. This includes the subtle movements you make or your stance. (Segal et al., 2022). 3. Gestures (including sign language) are something we use in our daily lives all the time. Pointing, waving, or using your hands in an animated way while in an argument are all ways of expression yourself with gestures without even thinking. However, some gestures are mean two different things within different cultures, for example the hand gesture “ok” sign, made with your hand usually conveys a positive message in English speaking countries. But in other countries such as Germany, Russia, and Brazil, this is considered offensive. So, it’s important to be careful how you use gestures to avoid misunderstandings. (Segal et al., 2022). 4. Eye contact is a dominate visual sense, for most people. Eye contact is an especially important form of nonverbal communication. The way you look can communicated a variety of thing, such as interest, hostility, or attraction. (Segal et al., 2022) Eye contact is also important in maintaining the flow of conversation, although people who are neurodivergent struggle with maintaining eye contact, focusing on someone’s eyes can be uncomfortable and overwhelming. Dissociation is a tool for managing information to protect ourselves, so looking away from someone’s eyes is a way we can process and continue possible overwhelming conversations. (Stimpunks Foundation, 2014). 5. We can communicate a lot of thorough touch, a patronizing pat on the head, a warm tight hug or a controlling grip on an arm can inform you how someone is feeling. 6. I’m sure we’ve all been in a line waiting to pay and someone is invading all of your personal space thus making you feel very uncomfortable. You can use physical space to communicate a lot of different nonverbal messages, including affection, aggression, or dominance. (Segal et al., 2022). Finally, 7. Visual aids (including PECS cards). A large amount of what we see informs us of people’s feelings, for example are therapy can help someone better communicate complex feelings, while using words would be too difficult when dealing with a lot of emotions. PECS cards are used predominantly with nonverbal children to help them communicate how they are feeling, using simple images.

[romymdxcontexualstudies3rdyr]

Interview With Becky Damgaard (Senior Son-Rise Program teacher)

For the purpose of the interview can you please introduce yourself? And what you do?  

I’m Becky Damgaard, Senior Son-Rise Program Teacher at The Autism Treatment Center of America. I have been working with families of children and adults on the autism spectrum for 20 years and have worked one on one, with over 700 children of all language levels and different diagnoses of the spectrum. 

2. I know you worked for the Sun Rise Program in America, could you share some of what that was like?  E.g.- what was it like working there? What was the mission statement? Did you have a particular teaching style?  

The Son-Rise Program is a loving, respectful type of play therapy, founded in1974. We offer hope and educational tools to parents who want to help their children with socialization and skill acquisition. The mission statement is that the children show us the way into their world, and then with love, fun and play, we invite them into our world, when they begin to relax and engage. The teaching style is fun and engaging and can be done in group workshops or one to one in person. We help parents reduce their stress levels and feel more empowered and equipped to reach their children.

3. Could you explain what nonverbal means? 

I think it does depend on the beliefs of the person who is using that phrase. Many parents I work with, use this phrase to describe someone who does not speak fluently. So, it could be someone who has 1-10 words, or even can say some short phrases, but is not able to have conversations. I believe that someone who can use, even one clear word is verbal, because they used a word. Because when you think about non-verbal communication (like eye contact, gestures, and body language), that does not describe verbal communication. I think labeling someone as non-verbal can limit that person, and the people around them, in believing they will be able to learn to be verbal one day. I have seen people learn to speak at all ages.  There is also a community of people on the autism spectrum and with other developmental delays who call themselves “non-speaking”, because they have other methods of communication, such as typing for example.

4. What was your experience like working with nonverbal children or adults? 

Wonderful, it has been totally possible to:

a) help teach a person who was “non-verbal” to use more words, when they were motivated and having fun. At the same time, some people on the spectrum have other challenges going on in their bodies and with sensory overstimulation and it becomes more challenging for them to be able to use verbal language. These are the types of people who can also learn other ways to communicate (such as pictures, typing & sign language.)

b) To also have a connection with those who are not yet verbal, or not verbally fluent. 

5. Was non-verbal communication talked about within the program? Yes, there is a whole section in The Son-Rise Program curriculum where we can encourage eye contact and other forms of non-verbal communication, such as gestures and facial expressions.

6. Do you think people are aware of what nonverbal means? If yes, why? If no, why? 

No, see question 3. 🙂

7. What are some of the difficulties for someone who is nonverbal? 

Not being able to express themselves, get their needs met, and be understood. Also, people can often make assumptions that someone who is seen as non-verbal is not intelligent, or even aware of what’s going on around them. 

8. Do you think there is something that people need to know about non-verbal communication that isn’t being said?  

Yes, people, whether they are considered non-verbal or non-speaking can be extremely smart, sensitive, aware and can also want happy lives and to be loved just like anyone else. 

9. Do you think there is a stigma that is connected when someone says non-verbal? e.g.- Do you think people judge harshly when ‘non-verbal’ is said? 

I think people might feel sorry for those who are non-verbal and assume they are frustrated because they can’t express themselves clearly. This does not mean in every case the person is unhappy, or wants to be fixed, But some have said they do wish they can verbally communicate. This depends on the person because people on the spectrum also have different beliefs, just like everyone else. There is no one size fits all description.

10. Finally, is there anything you feel would be helpful in spreading awareness about non-verbal communication? It could be more compassion or more government funded help.  

Yes, it’s important not to give up on supporting someone to be able to use more communication, whether that is verbal, or non-verbal. There should be easy access to services and funding for this. Also, for us to spread awareness that verbalization is not the only way to communicate.

(Becky's answers are in pink)

[romymdxcontexualstudies3rdyr]

Interview Questions (for my mom)

For the purpose of the interview can you please introduce yourself? And what you do? 

I know you worked for the Sun Rise Program in America, could you share some of what that was like?  E.g.- what was it like working there? What was the mission statement? Did you have a particular teaching style? 

Could you explain what nonverbal means? 

What was your experience like working with nonverbal children or adults?

Was non-verbal communication talked about within the program?

Do you think people are aware of what nonverbal means? If yes, why? If no, why?

What are some of the difficulties for someone who is nonverbal?

Do you think there is something that people need to know about non-verbal communication that isn’t being said? 

Do you think there is a stigma that is connected when someone says non-verbal? e.g.- Do you think people judge harshly when ‘non-verbal’ is said?

Finally, is there anything you feel would be helpful in spreading awareness about non-verbal communication? It could be more compassion or more government funded help? 

[romymdxcontexualstudies3rdyr]

The Son-Rise Program at the Autism Treatment Centre of America

I wanted to focus on organisations that strive to help people who are possibly nonverbal. The Son-Rise Program is an amazing and powerful treatment centre in Massachusetts, United States, for children and adults who may be challenged by Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) and other developmental difficulties. The Son-Rise Program is different in approach to helping children with developmental disorders, it is the opposite of everything you might have been told to help someone with Autism. 

The Program shows how joining in someone’s own unique world, before asking them to join ours makes it possible for these specials children to reach new heights! (Autism Treatment Centre of America, n.d.) The Son-Rise Program was created by teachers and authors Barry ('Bears') Neil Kaufman and his wife Samahria Lyte Kaufman, in the 1970s (See Figure 4) when their son Raun, was diagnosed with having a severe and incurable case of Autism and they were advised to put him in an institution. Instead of this the couple designed an innovative home-based, child-centred program (The Son-Rise Program) in an attempt to reach their little boy. This unique method which completely ripped up the pre-existing rules of Autism resulted in Raun’s recovery from Autism. (I use the word ‘recovery’ in terms of Ruan was now able to function by himself. Autism is not something to be cured, it is not an illness, it’s a neurological condition which makes social development difficult for some children, I wanted this to be very clear.) Ruan transformed from being mute or nonverbal, with an IQ less than 30% into highly verbal, socially interactive with a near genius level IQ. (Autism Treatment Centre of America, n.d.) The program says people with developmental difficulties can; 1. Learn to speak, even if they have never spoken, 2. Experience real happiness and love even if they seem frustrated and combative right now, 3. Have deep caring relationships with others, even though it appears they have been disconnected for years, 4. Have fun while communicating even if their history with speech has been limited and finally 5. Live a life that could include university, dating, jobs, hobbies or traveling regardless of how many of these life experiences seemed impossible. The programs main method of building a person’s social interactive skills is ‘Joining in the isms’, which simply means joining in the repetitious and ritualistic behaviours that a child or adult is doing. There is a lot of misconception that this will only encourage people to do this more, but the results the program have found to be quite the opposite. They found that when they joined in with this repetitious behaviour, that the child or adult actually became more engaged, more socially available, and more motivated to be with others. (Autism Treatment Centre of America, FAQs, n.d.) Over the years this approach to joining in with these rituals has been debated and criticised, but recent studies are now showing supporting evidence for the technique.  I really respect and believe in what The Son-Rise Program are doing for people with Autism and who are possibly nonverbal. My younger brother Arberi spent many years at the program when he was younger and was nonverbal, through the technique of joining in he was able to gain a full range of language and social engagement.

[romymdxcontexualstudies3rdyr]

Non-Verbal Communication Definition 

Non-verbal, adjective is defined as ‘not involving or using words or speech.’

“Non-verbal communication regulates relationships and can support or even replace verbal communication in many situations. Different genders and cultures use non-verbal communication differently and these differences can impact the nature of interpersonal communication. Non-verbal communication can become a barrier or tear down barriers to effective communication. According to researchers, non-verbal rules may differ as per the situation, and each situation determines its set of rules. Different types of people have very different yet distinct sets of non-verbal communication behaviours. Non-verbal communication has many different forms, such as body language, hand movement, facial expression, and eye contact. Non-verbal communication involves multiple channels, is continuous and more ambiguous in nature, and often contradicts the spoken word. When non-verbal and verbal communication conflicts, individuals tend to reply on non-verbal clues to interpret the true meaning of a communication.” (Deepika,2015) 

-Phutela Deepika.

Bibliography:

Deepika, P. (2015). The importance of non-verbal communication. The Importance of Non-Verbal Communication-ProQuest. https://www.proquest.com/openview/52442af596bbd7cc0220950cc1a9a3f2/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=2029989

Non-verbal adjective - definition, pictures, pronunciation, and usage notes | oxford advanced learner's dictionary at oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com. (n.d.). Oxford Learner's Dictionaries | Find definitions, translations, and grammar explanations at Oxford Learner's Dictionaries. https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/non-verbal?q=non-verbal

[romymdxcontexualstudies3rdyr]

Artist Research - Cecile Lobert 

Cecile Lobert is a Belgium neurodiverse, non-verbal visual abstract expressionist painter. 

Born April 1992 in Brussels. Lobert is a highly creative painter, but also has profound autism which is why she is non-verbal. Over the years her family have acted as advocates to bring awareness to her fantastic abilities. Her style is best-known for its extreme liberating normative outlooks. Lobert offers a uniquely original version of human ‘set norms’, thanks to her physiologically different internal wiring. Lobert is truly free from all external influences, within her paintings she gives us that opportunity to empathise with our true selves. (Edlund, C. 2021)

Lobert’s paintings are named after words vocalized by Lobert within her artistic process. For example, “Hot Bath” (See Figure 1) was composed moments after taking a hot bath, still wet. Lobert creates these amazing artworks from emotion-triggering day to day activities, which gives them a deeper personal meaning.  

(Figure 1 above, 'Hot Bath' Acrylic on canvas)

A personal favourite of mine from Lobert is her ‘Quarantine’ Project. This project was an abstract window into her emotional journey through the 2020 COVIS-19 lockdown. Comprised of 10 canvases, the collection presents the struggle from a neurodiverse consciousness struggling with the isolation. Lobert was able to convey the feeling of the pandemic restrictions alongside with the physiological restrictions instilled in Lobert. This made the paintings look natural, showing raw emotions that people who are neurotypical can also understand. 

Looking at 1 painting in particular ‘Early May 2020’ (See Figure 2) 

2 months into lockdown Lobert created this painting, originally made up of various colours and left ignored, secretly one-night Lobert snuck down from her bed and covered it in black, before adding aggressive red marks. This time was different for Lobert, amongst intense personal anger and frequent tantrums. This painting was perhaps a cry for help from the unconscious mind, which I feel was a fantastic representation of how a lot of people felt in the lockdown period. 

(See Figure 2 above, 'Early May 2020', Acrylic on canvas)

From seeing Loberts artwork I feel that I really got an insight into her world using non-verbal communication. I believe most art is non-verbal; you are trying to convey a message to a wider audience about an emotion that you cannot express with words alone. Lobert has mastered the use of colour and brush strokes to convey how she was feeling, her command of colour shows just how amazing her mind is, I’m glad I’ve been given an insight into it.

Bibliography:

Cecile Lobert. CECILE LOBERT. (n.d.). Retrieved November 10, 2022, from https://www.cecilelobert.com/ “The piece was originally painted in various colours and left ignored, until one night, in secret, the artist rose from bed to cover it in black, before adding an aggression in red like wisps of a hand, or a cry for help from the murky depths of the unconscious.”

Cecile Lobert. CECILE LOBERT. (n.d.). Retrieved November 10, 2022, from https://www.cecilelobert.com/ 

Edlund, C. (2021, October 31). A powerful portfolio speaks for a nonverbal artist: Artsy shark |. Artsy Shark. Retrieved November 10, 2022, from https://www.artsyshark.com/2021/11/03/a-powerful-portfolio-speaks-for-a-nonverbal-artist/ 

[romymdxcontexualstudies3rdyr]

Nonverbal Communication Survey Results

This will be a collection of the results I got from the survey, the key aim of this was to get a base understanding of what people know or think about nonverbal communication.

Results from question 1 - This question was do people know what nonverbal communication is? And although I only got 8 responses it seemed of those 8 that they all understand the basic meaning of nonverbal communication which surprised me a little bit. (See Figure 1)

Results from question 2 - This question was asking if people knew the different forms of nonverbal communication? I only got 1 no but the other 7 all provided a few forms, mainly sign language and use through imagery. It was nice to see people were aware of a few different types, although there are a lot more then they provided. It seems the most commonly know nonverbal communication method was sign language. (See Figure 2)

Results from question 3 - This question was asking if people knew anyone who uses nonverbal communication in their day to day lives, the response were a bit mixed. Most people said no they didn’t know anyone. But I got a few who said yes, mainly hard of hearing persons and a very interesting response that said ‘everyone’ which was good to see because that’s one of the points I’m trying to spread across to people. (See Figure 3)

Results from question 4 - This last question was asking people if they thought nonverbal communication was important? Every response said absolutely yes, which was positive to see. The common reason being people thought it gave everyone an equal opportunity to communicate in the way that best fits them. (See Figure 4)

[romymdxcontexualstudies3rdyr]

Thinking for the design outcome to make a leaflet or informational booklet

[romymdxcontexualstudies3rdyr]

Nonverbal Communication Survey

(A short survey I created to gather information on peoples understanding of nonverbal communication. I want to gather information so that I can know what to include in my design response information leaflet.)

This short survey is part of my 3rd year dissertation advocacy/informational piece at university. It is intended for me to find out what people generally know about nonverbal communication. 

My main goal at the end of this dissertation is to spread awareness about different forms of nonverbal communication to the public, as I believe it is overlooked or simply people just don't know enough about the impact it has on our day to day lives. 

All information/data given will be used to aid me further into my research, all answers will be anonymous. if you are not comfortable with this then please do not feel obligated to participate. Thank you.

Do you know the meaning of nonverbal communication? If yes, please provide your definition/understanding.

2. Are you aware of the different forms of nonverbal communication? (An example may be sign language) If yes, please provide any types you know.

3. Do you know anyone who uses nonverbal communication in their day to day lives? If yes, could you specify what type of nonverbal communication they use.

4. Finally, do you think nonverbal communication is important? If yes, please state why? If no, please state why?

(When answers have been given I will do a follow up post)

[romymdxcontexualstudies3rdyr]

Nonverbal Communication Awareness Motivation 

My chosen subject for this research projects is ‘Nonverbal Communication’, more specifically to spread awareness to people who might be uneducated on the different forms of nonverbal communication, why it’s important, what are they? and how you probably already use it but don’t realise it. 

      My motivation for this chosen subject stems mainly from having 2 younger brothers with autism, specifically my 16-year-old brother, who was diagnosed with autism around age 3. Before my brothers no one in my family even knew what autism was or what nonverbal meant. At that point in time doctors told us he would most likely never talk, which was crushing. My family had to educate themselves on many different forms of nonverbal communication methods, to help my brother with his communication. We used a variety of methods but found the most useful was imagery, using PECS cards (Picture Exchange Communication System) and drawing his favourite things, we found this to open his communication. This led to my brother having a full range of words and now he communicates amazingly. 

      Nonverbal communication gave my family the help we needed to help my brother, which in turn helped me become more open minded and sympathetic to others who also use nonverbal communication. Which leads me to this research project, I feel passionately about this subject not only for my personal reasons but in hopes to educate more people about nonverbal communication and building a better future for people who rely on it entirely in their day to day lives. 

[romymdxcontexualstudies3rdyr]

A Collection of Thoughts on Nonverbal Communication 

"Experts in interpersonal communication have estimated that nonverbal communication constitutes approximately 70% of what is involved in communication. In other words only 30% of communication involves words we actually use." (Hull, 2016)

I thought this was a good opening statement to segue into my idea for an advocacy piece, from Dr Hull, who is professor of communication sciences and disorders, in audiology/neuroscience, at Wichita State University in Wichita, KS. Particularly because I find it fascinating that such a large percent of our communication is nonverbal, it's not so surprising when you think about it a little, we use body language and facial expression to convey how we feel even when we don't realise it. But the more surprising thing is that I don't feel there is enough people discussing this. For something so important at such a large number I feel as though we should have people be made more aware of these different types of communication and how and why people can become nonverbal.

Being nonverbal isn't just limited to people who have disabilities, it can also stem from trauma, mental health can effect us in strange ways and becoming nonverbal is by far one of the most overlooked responses. it can stem from past experiences of negative listening reactions when speaking, you may feel unable to speak because every time we entered a speaking situation, we produce a post-traumatic stress response (PTSD) that deactivates our speech and language production system. (Brocklehurst, 2019) This is an extract from researcher Paul Brocklehurst, he argues stammering and post-traumatic stress may create a vicious cycle. I really relate to this theory as I myself suffer with past trauma and PTSD, I do actually go nonverbal when I'm having a panic attack or a particular bad patch of anxiety. Just like Dr. Hull said, I find it physically impossible to speak, its like all my words are lost, I feel like I want to cry out for help but something is blocking this.

This is just one example of being nonverbal from a traumatic incident, there are studies of mutism in certain people, particularly children who have witnessed a traumatic event which causes them to go mute. I think this relates back to Brocklehurts theory of the vicious cycle, we don't think about the effect certain events will have on a person, obviously we cannot prevent everything from happening but that is why I want to create this advocacy piece for people who have had these traumas or disabilities that cause them to become nonverbal from no fault of their own. They have already suffered, this I cannot change, but I can make it easier for them, they will be heard verbal or not.

bibliography:

Brocklehurst, P., 2019. Stammering and post-traumatic stress – some food for thought. [online] STAMMA. Available at: <https://stamma.org/about-stammering/research/about-stammering/stammering-and-post-traumatic-stress-some-food-thought> [Accessed 17 October 2022].

Hull, R., 2016. The Art of Nonverbal Communication in Practice. [online] Available at: <https://journals.lww.com/thehearingjournal/fulltext/2016/05000/the_art_of_nonverbal_communication_in_practice.5.aspx> [Accessed 17 October 2022].

Hull, R., 2016. The Art of Nonverbal Communication in Practice. The Hearing Journal, [online] 69(5), pp.22-24. Available at: <https://journals.lww.com/thehearingjournal/fulltext/2016/05000/the_art_of_nonverbal_communication_in_practice.5.aspx> [Accessed 17 October 2022].

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What is my goal ?

I would like to spread awareness about forms of nonverbal communication for those people who need to use it in their day-to-day lives, but struggle to effectively communicate with people who are unaware of the other forms of communication. I am not nonverbal but from my own experience of trying to communicate my point across to someone who doesn’t understand what I want or need, it can be tremendously frustrating. But I am lucky in that respect as I have my own words to eventually get my voice heard, it makes me feel for those who may never feel like they are being listened to. I want to be that person listening to them.

[romymdxcontexualstudies3rdyr]

Types of communication for nonverbal people/kids.

1. Eye Contact

2. Sign Langauage

3. Pictures

4. Visual Boards

5. PECS (Picture exchange communication system)

6. Smart Phone/Tablet

7. Facial Expression

8. Body Language 

9. Writing

10. Art ( of course )

11. Brail

12. Bumps on crossings/rotating tactile device (for blind or visually impaired)

There is power in nonverbal communication, such as paralinguistic, the way you say something can be changed in the emotions you present. For example “Im fine” :) with a happy face could be read as different by “Im fine” :( with a sad face. 

[romymdxcontexualstudies3rdyr]

Getting specific

I think looking at the the base research I've done, I would like to make an advocacy project, specifically advocating for people who are nonverbal. As my younger brother was nonverbal for along time and I've worked with some nonverbal kids, I think there needs to be more normalisation around alternative communication methods for those who need it. 

[romymdxcontexualstudies3rdyr]

Art as Language (more broadly)

Just to cover a base of this topic I've researched into some of the more visual or obvious forms of art as a language.

For example, cave drawing; without these we wouldn't know a lot about our own history or past. The Egyptian alphabet, a whole language made up of symbols, again very crucial in us knowing our history. When the Chinese language was first emerging it was actually made of out shapes or symbols, it has changed so much now that it no longer depicts from those images, but it’s believed that around 600 of the Chinese characters were pictograms. Looking at more present times we have evolved to use imagery in books for children when they are just stating life, and we as adults also read graphic novels or comics. We also use art in road signs, or emergencies; we have to very quickly and simply covey the message of stop or go, sometimes just with colour but we many, many roads signs all around the world are recognisable even to non drivers. 

My last point to add is about communication through art to help nonverbal people, this could be sign language or PECS (picture exchange communication system) often with people who have disabilities. Or people born deaf or mute. Speaking more personally, my younger brother has autism, when he was very young doctors told us he would probably never talk, we thought he was deaf at first but it was just autism alone. My mom persevered and was determined the find someway of communicating with him. We found right away he responded to eye contact, noise and art. Through making something he had a strong interest in (in this case Thomas the tank engine) we saw his communication opening up to us. We would drawing the characters and cut them out, this was I’d say one of the big reasons he speaks today. 

(Images in order of what I talked about)

[romymdxcontexualstudies3rdyr]

First Ideas

The first few ideas I got are 

1. Criminal arts

2. The legitimacy of art therapy

3. Art as language (ONE I LIKE THE MOST)  

I think all of these ideas kinda blend into one another but I think the best place to start is the “Art as Language” purely because I think its quite a broad starting point so along researching ill be able to hone in on a more specific point within the subject. 

The reason I like the art as language as a topic to research is because I think it’s something we all use daily, even if we do not know it. It is a crucial tool in communication, especially within nonverbal people. The use of sign language is one of the main tools that enable people to communicate through “imagery” or art. 

[romymdxcontexualstudies3rdyr]

3rd Year Research Project

I will be researching into my chose subject 

- Art as language - communication - forms of nonverbal communication - spread awareness