We communicate a lot of information about our feelings through our body
language: our facial expression, the way we position ourselves, distance
from others, and gestures. We receive this information primarily through
our vision. The child with dual sensory impairments does not get this information
from others. He also is not aware of how others see him. These children
must have help to learn to express their feelings through appropriate body
language. If their feelings and body language do not match, their communication
may be misunderstood and the child may be frustrated.
You can help the child in the following ways:
1. Have the child feel your face while you say/sign the name of the feeling
expressed. Have him feel the tension in your muscles when you are angry,
relaxed muscles when you're happy, or a frown when you're unhappy.
2. Also have him feel your shoulders and hands to learn about body position
related to the different feelings. An upright body frequently shows a positive
attitude and confidence. A slumped body sometimes signals sadness or fatigue.
3. If you feel comfortable allowing the child to feel your heart rate, this
will also give a lot of information. You can have a young child feel your
heart. An older child can feel your neck or wrist. Your heart rate will
show when you're angry, happy, excited, etc.
4. Have the child feel his own face, posture, and heart rate to become aware
of how he appears to others.
Adapted from Sternberg-White, S., Chen, D., Watts, J., 1992,
Developing Social-Emotional Skills, INSITE, Utah State University, Logan,
Utah
Fact sheets from California Deaf-Blind Services are to be
used by both families and professionals serving individuals with dual sensory
impairments. The information applies to students 0-22 years of age. The
purpose of the fact sheet is to give general information on a specific topic.
More specific information for an individual student can be provided through
individualized technical assistance available from CDBS. The fact sheet
is a starting point for further information.
Order #009 3/6/92