Speech and language therapy for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is focused on two key areas. Firstly communication skills, including expressive language (the ability to use words and sentences to express thoughts and ideas) and secondly receptive language (the ability to understand what others are saying).
Speech and language therapists may use a variety of techniques to help individuals with ASD improve their communication skills.
ABA therapy
One technique that is commonly used in speech and language therapy for autism is called Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA).
This is a widely-used approach that is based on the principles of behaviorism and focuses on teaching new skills and reducing problem behaviors using positive reinforcement.
Speech and language therapists may use ABA to teach individuals with ASD specific language skills, such as labeling objects or following directions.
Another technique that is commonly used in speech and language therapy for autism is called Social Stories. These are short stories that are used to teach social skills, such as how to take turns in conversation or how to initiate a conversation.
The therapist will create a story that is relevant to the individual’s life and interests, and then use the story to teach social skills in a way that is easy for the individual to understand.
PECS
Speech and language therapists may also use techniques such as Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS) to help individuals with autism improve their communication skills.
PECS is a visual communication system that uses pictures to help individuals with autism express their wants and needs.
The therapist will teach the individual to give a picture of an object or activity that they want to the therapist or a communication partner, who will then provide the individual with the object or activity.
AAC
Another technique is called Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) which helps individuals with autism to communicate through the use of technology such as speech-generating devices or apps, this tools can help to bridge the gap between the individual’s ability to communicate and the listener’s ability to understand.
Summing up
In summary, speech and language therapy for individuals with autism spectrum disorder is focused on improving communication skills.
Techniques that are commonly used include Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), Social Stories, Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
These techniques are designed to teach new skills and reduce problem behaviors, and are tailored to the specific needs of each individual.
It’s important to work with a qualified speech and language therapist who can provide a personalised treatment plan and ongoing support.
Feel free to browse our archive or visit the UK’s Autism Society’s website for more information on raising autistic children. We also have an article with simple techniques parents can use at home.
