Modern methods of speech therapy for children with autism (ASD) involve synchronized work of several specialists. Speech therapists, psychologists, teachers, as well as parents or guardians of the child participate in the correction. The work is carried out not only in the clinic, but also at home. Only in this case it is possible to achieve significant results. Correction includes several stages.
What speech disorders accompany ASD?
In their work, speech therapists most often encounter the following problems inherent in children with autism:
- mutism – lack of both responsive and spontaneous speech, while in principle the ability to speak and understand the speech of others is preserved;
- echolalia – repetition of words and phrases spoken by others;
- use of words and phrases-stamps;
- phonographic speech, i.e. memorization and reproduction of words, phrases, even whole poems, songs and prose passages without understanding their meaning;
- inability to dialog, lack of appeals even with developed monologic speech;
- late appearance of personal pronouns in speech and inability to use them correctly (e.g., the child may talk about himself/herself as “you” and about others as “I”);
- autonomy of speech – the child communicates in “his/her” language, which is built on different principles from the language of adults;
- problems with the semantic side of speech: use of neologisms, narrowing or broadening of the semantic content of words, etc..;
- violations in the pronunciation of sounds;
- disorders of speech coherence, inability to construct word combinations and sentences;
- incorrect placement of accents, problems with intonation, etc.
Features of work with children with autism for a speech therapist
Autistic children have their own features that need to be taken into account by a speech therapist when working with such children. To such features can be attributed:
- Limited attention and poor concentration. Children with autism often have difficulty concentrating and paying attention, so speech therapy sessions should be designed to keep their interest.
- Stereotypical behavior. Autistic children often exhibit stereotypical behavior, which makes it difficult to conduct classes. A speech therapist needs to have patience and endurance, to be able to find an approach to each such child.
- Difficulties in understanding speech. Children diagnosed with autism often have difficulties in understanding speech, so a speech therapist needs to use simple and understandable words and expressions to conduct classes.
- Pronunciation disorders. Also children with autism have problems with pronunciation, it is also necessary to take into account the speech therapist and use special techniques for correction.
How to work with a child with autism
Working with children with autism can be very effective. With speech therapy, these children can learn to understand speech, speak and communicate more quickly.
For effective sessions, the speech therapist should use the following techniques during the sessions:
- Visualization. Using visual aids helps children with autism understand and remember information better.
- Playful methods. Playful methods help children with autism stay engaged and enjoy the activities.
- Repetition. Repetition helps children with autism reinforce what they have learned.
- Encouragement. Encouragement helps children with autism feel successful and motivates them to continue.
Speech therapy for children with autism
Speech therapy sessions with children with autism should be tailored to the individual characteristics of each child. It is important to use visual aids and playful methods when conducting speech therapy sessions.
Also, speech therapy sessions with autistic children should be held regularly. It is best to engage in 2-3 times a week. Classes should be no more than 30 minutes, as children with autism quickly lose interest.
Here are some recommendations that can help the speech therapist to conduct an effective session:
- Start with a simple and clear explanation of the purpose of the activity.
- Using visual aids, the child with autism should be interested in and attracted to the activity.
- It is also necessary to break the activity into short stages so that the child with autism does not lose interest in the activity.
- Using game methods of work, you need to make the lesson more exciting and interesting.
- Be patient and do not demand quick results from your child.
Correctional work with children with autism
Correctional work with children with autism is in turn aimed at developing such skills:
- Understanding speech
- Active vocabulary in a child with autism
- Correct pronunciation in a child with autism
- Coherent speech
Also correctional work with children diagnosed with autism is aimed at the development of all aspects of speech. Exercises that can be used by a speech therapist in remedial work:
1. Exercises to develop speech understanding
For example, the speech therapist can show the child pictures and name them, and then ask the child to show the necessary picture.
2. Exercises to develop active vocabulary
For example, the speech therapist can give the child an object and name it, and then ask the child to name the object.
3. Exercises for the development of pronunciation
For example, the speech therapist can playfully teach the child how to pronounce a sound or group of sounds.
4. Exercises for the development of coherent speech
For example, the speech therapist needs to teach the child to tell simple and short stories.
It is important for parents of children with autism to remember that speech and language skills develop gradually and take time. You should not expect quick results from your child. The most important thing is to engage with your child regularly and believe in his or her abilities and individual potential!
The role of parents in speech therapy
Parents play a key role in the speech development of a child with autism, as they are the ones who spend the most time with the child. In order for speech therapy to be effective, it is important that parents actively participate in classes, follow the specialist’s recommendations and continue developmental exercises at home. Daily communication, reading books, playing games together and using visual cues help the child to better understand speech and learn new words. Support, patience and positive reinforcement from parents create a comfortable environment for the child’s speech and social development.
Conclusion
Speech therapy work with children with autism is a long and multi-step process that requires an individualized approach, patience and comprehensive involvement of specialists and parents. Regular sessions using playful methods, visual aids and encouragement help to develop speech, improve the child’s understanding and communication skills. It is important to remember that every child is unique and progress can be made at different rates. The key is systematic work, adult support and belief in the child’s potential, which will eventually lead to meaningful results in their speech and social development.
