Imagine that you are in a train station in Chile and you don't know Spanish. If a native Spanish speaker comes up to you and begins talking, you probably wouldn't understand him. However, you may be able to communicate with the ticket seller. Your ability to interpret is assisted by your shared frame of reference (buying tickets) within which you discuss limited information (fares and schedules.) Your common ground makes the conversation easier to follow.

It is the same when children are learning language. Early language develops while a child is engaged with an adult in a task that serves to frame the attention of both partners.  For example, a boy may learn the word "ball" and the phrase "Got it!" while playing ball with his mom.  Although there are other objects in the child's view, such as the grass and the blue sky; the adult is not attending to them, so the child can assume they are not the focus of the speech.  Just like the traveler in a foreign country, the child must have an understanding of the adult's frame of reference in order to interpret what is said.

How do I engage my child?  

With beautiful spring weather outside, we may feel the urge to garden, fly kites, and roll down grassy banks. These are great activities to engage your child with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder.) But what if your child does not easily participate with you in shared activities, even if they appear fun?  Children with ASD have delays in the development of shared attention. You may find it difficult to direct your child's focus to what you are doing. Slowing down your actions, simplifying, and limiting your language will help.  Language should be in short phrases and related to the experience at hand. Children with ASD may hesitate to try new things.  To boost your child's confidence, try to remain calm and supportive.  Invite your child to join you in spring things. Develop common ground and watch your child's language grow.