Socratic CommunicationSocrates is an ancient Greek philosopher who lived many years ago and was the founder for western philosophy. He was also know to be a great teacher because he reversed the role between teachers and students. Instead of giving his students any answers he would reply to their questions with another question and let them search for answers within themselves. To solve a problem, you would ask a question and when finding the answer, you would also have an answer to your problem. No subject was left unturned and Socrates said to question everything because 'the unexamined life is not worth living.'
Asking QuestionsAsking question can be a powerful tool to promote reflections and critical thinking. If you, like Socrates, focus on asking questions instead of giving answers this can lead a discussion or conversation to new ideas and provide insights which may lead people to find the truth within themselves. Questioning has to be interesting and inviting enough for people to be encouraged to thinking. Asking questions is a step by step process and must contain logic and no judgements. In this communication technique there are no wrong answers, anything your partner in conversation comes up with must be received in a positive way. Only then one is encouraged to express their feelings and will learn to examine his own perceptions.Socratic Communication and Asperger SyndromeSocratic communication will improve the ability to communicate and reflect upon your own ideas. It enhances a person's reasoning skills and it leaves the person to respond with many options to express their views. All these advantages are helpful for those diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. It’s a simple technique anybody can use effectively by just asking questions instead of providing the answers. Even simple one word questions like: really? , how? or why? can be effective. Socrates felt strong about own insight. All the answers already lie within the individual itself and all you have to do is be interested enough to question his ideas or believes. To learn how to communicate this way will take time and effort but it is worth it when you can help those with Asperger share their own thoughts and thinking instead of providing them with the opportunity for echolalia. We all heard them repeat the exact same thing we just told them. When we can stimulate their own thinking and reasoning they might be able to overcome their communication obstacles.ConditionsNot everybody with Asperger might be able to engage in this technique. It requires at least a normal intelligence and the capacity to communicate back and forth with a partner. When it is prepared properly and the conversation has a clear goal to reach it is a lot easier to use this technique effectively. Time is another issue. Don’t use this technique when anyone is stressed for time, confusion occurs or panic takes over. Give them time to answer! Ask open and closed question and sometimes it may be useful to explain some of the questions. Try to be as concrete as possible!AdvantagesIt’s a simple technique which will enable an assessment of thinking in those with Asperger and promote their communication skills. It will enable them to make their own choices and promotes independence. It can be used to convince them to see things from a different point of view or test their understanding of a subject or task. It’s a solid way to systemize your communication and approach those with Asperger Syndrome in a logical way which could help them profoundly. Back to Asperger-Advice.com Adults Back to Asperger-Advice.com Homepage
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