Abstract Thinking
Just about everything we do in life involves abstract thinking. We use abstract thinking to plan for something in the future, predict consequences, calculate time or distance, and desire something that isn’t right in front of us. “A chocolate shake sounds really good right now.” “This room would look better painted blue.” Or, “If I take Main Street, maybe I’ll get there faster.”
For the average child, the transition to abstract thinking (from the real to the imaginary) is automatic. Johnny wears a cape and runs around the house, imagining he can fly. Monica pours water into cups and pretends her dolls “drink” from them. But for the special needs child, (for example, an autistic child,) abstract thinking might not come naturally. It is important for parents to help teach these children the beginning concepts of abstract thinking and help them practice using it.
“Let’s Pretend.”
You can help your child learn abstract thinking by encouraging her to pretend. Here are some tips:
1. If your child picks up a stuffed animal, pick up another one and start a conversation between the two.
2. When your child heads for a swing at the park, pretend it is an airplane or spaceship. Say, “Okay, put on your seat belt. Ready for takeoff! One, two, three, blastoff!”
3. Put a hat or crown on your child’s head as he or she watches in a mirror. Say, “Now you’re Princess Anna,” or “Hello there Captain Jeffery!”
4. Play tag or chase games where you call yourself a “grumpy bear” or a “hungry crocodile.” “The hungry crocodile is coming to get you!” Get down on the ground and growl.
5. Create a mini-drama involving your child’s favorite toy. If he pushes a fire engine on the carpet, find a small doll and say, “Help! Help! The fire is over here! Can you save me? Help!” Or if he lines up blocks, take a few toy animals and say, “Oh no! Now we’re trapped! We can’t get out!” Keep trying different things until he becomes somehow engaged in the drama.
6. Occasionally pick up an object near your child and pretend it is something else. Use a pencil like a flute. Pretend to take bites from a ball, as though it were an apple.
It might seem silly at first, but teaching your child to pretend is an excellent way to help encourage abstract thinking. Without the ability to imagine, wonder, predict, and consider, how will your child function as an adult? Just think of all the potential benefits to your child if you do this! (See? You’re thinking in the abstract right now.)