What a few positive words can accomplish in another person's life!
As I was reading the Art of Possibility, I came across an interesting section about an experiment using labels to classify character or personality. Benjamin Zanders contends that labeling and grading with anything less than an "A" may really serve to destroy or inhibit self growth and worth. One such story was about an Asian student who was raised in a culture never to question authority, (teachers, and so on). This student was given an "A" even before taking test or course and then was asked to write a letter dated sometime in the future. But to write it as though the subject matter was in the past. This student was to write about "Why he deserved an "A" in this course?"
I found it intriguing that one can influence how others respond to their environment through simple positive gestures. Since I am interested in testing for systems that would help Autistic children break into social environments, this would be an ideal concept to apply.
Shelley said...
The range of autistic behaviors is as wide as the Grand Canyon. One thread that seems to run through all of them is that some of the behaviors are viewed as socially unacceptable. If the autistic person is high-functioning, they realize that the behaviors are not accepted and they may retreat further into themselves.
I can tell you from personal experience that "giving an A" to these people is a very powerful thing. By accepting the person exactly where they are, we give them the freedom to take a step forward. Each step allowed makes the next step easier and soon they blossom into a person that we never imagined could be there.
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