Module 3
Affect: The Language of Emotion
The Affect Matrix
The Affect Matrix is a tool designed for professionals to reflect on how different types of affect support or hinder social-emotional learning for autistic children. Use it to identify which emotional expressions are most effective for fostering connection and which may be less helpful.
What Does The Affect Matrix Look Like in Action?
In this video, Ashley shows you what affect looks like in each of the zones of the Affect Matrix. Grab a printed version of the Affect Matrix to take some additional notes on what you notice and learn throughout this video!
Why Is Affect So Important?
This article, The Power of Affect: How Emotional Signaling Shapes Development, is designed to be shared with parents. It explains what affect is and why it plays such an important role in children’s emotional growth, especially for autistic children. Feel free to hand this resource to families as a simple, accessible way to introduce the concept of affect.
The Still Face Experiment
This video of the Still Face Experiment illustrates the powerful role affect plays in human connection. Watch how a baby responds when emotional expression is withdrawn, highlighting why affect is such an essential part of communication and social-emotional development.