Body Language

Otherwise known as nonverbal communication.  In this field there is a need to leverage all kinds of communication with our autistic folks.  In case, they are not verbal, lets give them every tool in the shed.

On a different note, I saw an amazing Ted talk where a woman talks about how intentionally changing  your body positioning can change your cortisol and testosterone levels.

Here's the clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks-_Mh1QhMc

First, I'm thinking as an Instructional Aide:
It is human nature to complement not challenge the body language in front of you.
(So, if our children make themselves big....we shrink?)

Men tend to take up more space.  It's a testosterone thing.
This talk says fake it 'til you make it.   Hmmmm......?
Would practicing power poses even in the comfort of my own home, or on break change my hormone levels?  Her study points to YES.
Can I use this technique to change the power differential between us with changing little else?
Maybe.  In my classroom, the children are 95-100% compliant with two of the guys.
Can I inhabit this zone?  Can I embody their low reactivity (cortisol levels) and high testosterone, and achieve the same results?  It's worth a try.

I know as it is.  My cortisol levels are high.  (Even if I try to keep a poker face.  I can taste the stress, and I notice it in the types of foods I crave after work, and the sleep as if crashing after an adrenaline rush.)  I do sometimes rub my neck.  This posture, is a particularly "low power" pose.  Knowing that I will be cognizant not to do with with kids.

Women tend to make themselves small.  This field seems to be 85% female in staff, and 90% male in autistic kids.  We may need to carry our energy differently.