Communication and Identity 

Communication is much more than spoken language; it is the means for the development of personality (including non-verbal communication). 

Successful interaction requires an environment that meets the child with respect, mindfulness, and non-judgmental acceptance [1, 3]. 

• Following the child: Instead of mirroring deficits to the child, guidance is oriented toward their interests and needs. Individual communication styles (including non-verbal ones) unfold most strongly through enthusiasm for self-chosen activities [2]. 

• Credibility: Only an authentic counterpart who keeps promises and acts congruently provides a secure foundation for language acquisition and social interaction. 

Currently, inclusion is often understood only superficially. When the natural biological diversity (biodiversity) of human ways of being is not recognized, barriers arise that lead to massive stress [4]. 

Reports from autistic individuals clarify that communication difficulties are often not primary deficits, but rather consequences of overload:

• Disruption of the connection between thoughts and speech motor skills.

• Blockage of the speech muscles (e.g., flat-lying tongue).

• Loss of word-image association under stress.

• Withdrawal from communication as protection against unbearable criticism.

To open the space for individual development, White Unicorn e.V. uses various accessible approaches: 

Puppetry and Figure Play as a Bridge 

Puppetry (e.g., with hand puppets) serves as a creative accompaniment to make the unspoken audible and visible [12].

• Symbolic Processing: Children can project fears and burdens onto figures, thereby clarifying difficult situations.

• Mediator Function: When direct access between adults and children is strained, a hand puppet can serve as a neutral mediator to revitalize interaction non-violently and without emotional pressure.

• Variety of Materials: From Fimo and clay to bouncing putty and natural materials like snow – the choice of material follows the child's sensory preference and enthusiasm.

A positive self-concept arises through thousands of experiences of self-efficacy: "I am heard, no matter how I communicate." [5, 8]

• Maintaining Boundaries: The child learns to protect their own safe space and to set boundaries (e.g., the need for peace and quiet) [9, 11].

• Initiative: Successful communication encourages the child to initiate communication cycles on their own [10].

Guidelines for Interaction (Gütekraft / Soul Force) We shape communication in the sense of "Gütekraft" [7] and Nonviolent Communication [13]. This means:

• Patient, constructive, and non-harmful action.

• Taking responsibility for value-based decisions.

• Recognizing the child as a fully communicative being.