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Original poster

Autistic children and accents

31 replies

clannish93 · 05/03/2023 14:05

Hi there, I work at a school with an autistic child who uses an American accent. When I talk to him I use the same accent. I have now been criticised by a colleague to stop talking in that stupid accent because it is not teaching the child to speak "properly". Therefore, I was wondering, should I use my normal accent or is it okay to use the child's accent when talking to them.

OP posts:
Skiphopbump · 05/03/2023 14:09

It’s not unusual for an autistic person to speak in an American accent but it’s weird that you are doing the same when interacting with the child.

TobeLeRone · 05/03/2023 14:09

Why do you talk back in an American accent?

I know one autistic child who does this, his main interest is Marvel films, he’s often in character so talks like them. Those around it just talk normally and don’t make a big deal about it.

SpinningFloppa · 05/03/2023 14:09

I have an autistic child and no I wouldn’t speak to her in an accent 🤦🏻

Soapboxqueen · 05/03/2023 14:08

There's no benefit to the child of you mimicking the accent so I wouldn't bother.

daisypond · 05/03/2023 14:06

What do you mean, he uses an American accent? He puts it on?

AgentProvocateur · 05/03/2023 14:06

Use your normal accent. If you met a Scottish person would you talk to them in a Scottish accent?