Lacking Conceptual Images For people with normal speech
development, it is very difficult to communicate without using
concepts. Things are big or bigger, happy or joyous, under, over
… the list is endless. The human mind is built on and works
through the understanding of concepts. But for someone with
autism, concepts are very difficult. Can effective communication
happen without relying on the conceptual imagery everyone uses
each day? A Language of Concept Language by its very nature is
conceptual. We believe, because we have been taught and have
seen the result, that words are truly representative of
something. If you go into an ice cream shop and ask for a large
cone, you have certain expectations that you believe the other
person understands. Generally, people do understand, and if they
don't, they may ask for additional information. Concepts within
language are an obstacle for children with autism. When a word
is first learned, whether verbal or through another form of
communication, the use of that wo