Autism Awareness Month and Speech Articulation

Autism Awareness Month and Speech Articulation

Autism

April is Autism Awareness Month and we wanted to highlight an important developmental issues related to ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). For those living with ASD language and social development is often rightfully the focus of a therapy plan for any child. Depending on that plan, goals specifically devoted to improving speech intelligibility can be secondary. The difference between speech and language, however, is critical here. This post is dedicated to outlining what a parent might observe in their child’s speech articulation – in other words, how clear and understandable that speech is — and provide some guidance on how to improve speech articulation and therefore intelligibility.

First, it’s critical to understand that there is no one pattern of speech that would define ASD. Like the condition itself, speech intelligibility in autism can range from non-verbal to perfect intelligibility. The advice here is more relevant to those children who are currently pursuing the verbal route of communication. And while a child may currently need an assistive to communicate, this can change! I have seen this happen several times in my clinical practice. Second, I strongly feel that especially earlier on in the communication development of a child with ASD, the ability to communicate his or her needs and wants to promote academic and social success is paramount. However, at some point in the long-term plan, misarticulated speech should become a strong priority.

So when speech articulation does indeed become a priority in your child’s overall therapy plan, one excellent place to start is the well-established developmental norms of mastering certain sounds. Target the sounds that kids tend to master earlier in childhood because these also tend to be simpler to say from the standpoint of what the mouth needs to do to say the sounds correctly. Also, keep in mind that when your child is learning a new sound (e.g. the L sound), he or she may be able to say the sound perfectly in words and in short sentences but that clarity may break down in longer sentences or conversation. That is completely normal. As each sound becomes mastered in conversation, make sure you’re providing positive feedback so your child always feels encouraged. While the long term goal is perfectly articulated speech, the shorter term goal may be for your child to be more consistently understood by peers and adults. For example, your child might say “lip” perfectly in conversations, but say “kwip” or when trying to say “clip”.

In terms of what therapy approaches should be used, this should generally also be taken with greater consideration in kids with ASD. A variety of approaches should be employed and each be given their due. For example, one child may make considerable progress with more traditional approaches to articulation therapy, as I like to call it, “talk therapy.” Another child may benefit from a more phonological approach to therapy while another may do best with a tactile method like Speech Buddies Tools. I have found that it is especially true with children with ASD to use a variety of approaches and not be afraid to cycle through these various approaches. Talk to your speech therapist about the current and future plan and be proactive in staying abreast of your child’s plan.

In many autistic kids’ therapy programs, language and social use of language (i.e. pragmatics) are emphasized. This is usually the correct course of action. However as your child’s language blossoms, when the time is right, talk to your speech therapist about a strong shift toward working on speech articulation in your autistic child. As speech clarity improves, so does his or her capacity to be understood by communication partners. This in turn motivates a child who may have deeply struggled with communication to initiate exchanges more frequently; in essence, it is a positive feedback loop that can make an enormous difference on your child’s academic and social life.

If your child is on the autism spectrum (or you suspect he might be), and you have not yet found a specialist, please consider working with a local speech therapist to address his speech and language challenges. Speech Buddies Connect is a great resource to find a certified professionals in your area and if you are in Brooklyn or NYC, you can book an initial appointment for only $25.

Image credit: Seattle Children’s Hospital

Free Lesson Guides for Speech Practice: R, S, L, SH, CH
Heartache and Joy: Communication Challenges with Autism

Heartache and Joy: Communication Challenges with Autism

Autism Parents' Corner

Life with a speech-delayed toddler is filled with heartache and joy. Along with the usual toddler demands comes the added difficulty of not being able to easily communicate. In my child’s case, her severe speech delay is due to autism spectrum disorder and motor planning issues. Our days are filled with struggle. My failure to understand her can send her into a rage or meltdown, further fueled by the autism. Yet we do find joys amongst the everyday struggles of communication challenges with autism.

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Sensory Play Activities to Get Started

Sensory Play Activities to Get Started

Autism Games and Activities

Sensory play is important for all children—not just individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Sensory play helps build language skills as well as fine motor and gross motor skills. Children with ASD often experience an inability to respond “appropriately” to sensory input, which is why they tend to have challenging behaviors or obsessions (i.e. arm flapping, avoiding eye contact, etc). Furthermore, children with ASD can have problems with social skills and speech and language skills. Most treatment options for children with ASD or with sensory dysfunction include sensory integration.

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3 Epic Brooklyn Special Needs Programs

3 Epic Brooklyn Special Needs Programs

Autism Games and Activities

Finding an afterschool program for children with special needs can be difficult sometimes, especially for children who may possess a wide range of complex disabilities. However, this should not stop you from seeking an after school program for your child. There are many after school programs that can help your child achieve their therapy goals outside a therapy setting. Talk to your child’s therapists to find out exactly what your child’s limitations are or what you can work on with your child outside of therapy. Below are just a few of the Brooklyn special needs programs that you and your child can check out — we certainly want to!

Photo from Extreme Kids & Crew

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Learning Materials That Support Children with Autism

Learning Materials That Support Children with Autism

Autism
Autism Activities

Learning Materials and Activities for Children with Autism Image source: addingtonesol.blogspot.com

As we finish up April and Autism Awareness Month, we share with you some strategies for autism therapy at home. Since the early 1970’s the United States has recognized April as Autism Awareness Month and autism advocacy groups take this special opportunity to educate the public about autism and related issues within the autism community. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. They are characterized by varying degrees of difficulties in social interaction, verbal and non -verbal communication and repetitive behaviors. ASD affects over 2 million people in the United States and tens of millions worldwide. Rates have increased 10-17% annually in recent years, with no established explanation.

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5 Awesome Activities for Children with Autism!

5 Awesome Activities for Children with Autism!

At Home Ideas Autism Games and Activities Language Development News Speech Disorders

 

Activities for Children with AutismAs we celebrate National Autism Awareness month, we’d like to share with you ideas for activities that help support children with autism.  Autism is an increasingly more common neurological condition that affects brain development. As such, children diagnosed with autism have more difficulty socializing with others, effectively communicating and responding appropriately to the environment around them. Are there activities that you can do with your child to help encourage effective communication and engagement?  Yes, read on!

If your child has autism, you know that it affects each child differently.  Children with autism possess a wide variety of skills, strengths, and needs. In addition to individualized therapy, there are simple, everyday activities that parents, teachers and caregivers can do to help support children with autism. We’ve put together a list of materials and fun activities that encourage social skills, and enhance communication for children with autism.

What kinds of activities and games are best?  An article in Science Daily, discussed the importance of play in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). “Children with ASD chose to engage in play that provided strong sensory feedback, cause-and-effect results, and repetitive motions,” said Kathy Ralabate Doody, Ph.D., assistant professor of exceptional education at SUNY Buffalo State. Any opportunity to explore colors, shapes, textures and sensory experiences can help stimulate attention and create a sense of fun!

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Light It Up Blue – Celebrate Autism Awareness Month!

Autism News

Autism Awareness

World Autism Awareness DayIn the spirit of World Autism Awareness Day today, we are doing our part to help shed some light on autism by wearing blue in accordance with Autism Speaks global initiative “Light It Up Blue” that kicks off the seventh annual Autism Awareness Month. On April 2nd, restaurants, small businesses, people, retail stores and landmarks don the color blue to help raise awareness about autism. World Autism Day seeks to educate the community and promotes support and understanding for autistic people. Can you help?

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How to Talk to an Autistic Child & Get a Response

Autism
Autistic Child Infographic

Image source: Behance.net

Every autistic child is unique, with his own set of particular challenges to overcome. If your autistic child has trouble with communication, talk to his speech-language pathologist (SLP) about at-home speech therapy activities and tools that can help him. Speech Buddies, for example, have helped many kids with autism learn to communicate more effectively. You can also use a few speech therapy techniques to encourage your autistic child to respond to you. It may help to adjust the way you speak. Always keep your audience in mind.

For example, if you’re at a family reunion and somebody asks you what you do for a living, you probably wouldn’t immediately jump into the details of corporate tax news. You’d just say you were a tax preparer because you’re less likely to get a blank stare in response. Likewise, by altering your language and the way in which you use it, you may be more likely to get a response from your child.

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