Autism spectrum disorder is most commonly identified in early childhood, while communication abilities are still developing. To varying degrees, the condition makes it difficult for children to communicate. Some children may not speak or have limited speaking ability, while others communicate in great depth about specific topics.
Certainly! Early identification and appropriate treatment can significantly impact the communication abilities and understanding of spoken language in children with autism. Studies indicate that two out of three children with autism show improvement in these areas when identified early and provided with suitable interventions. Moreover, research suggests that consistent, ongoing speech treatment further enhances the likelihood of progress in these children.
Speech therapy can help children with autism improve their spoken language, enhance nonverbal abilities, and learn to communicate in new ways. SLPs can teach parents how to improve their child’s communication skills in various ways that are suited to the child’s abilities, communication situations, and family requirements.
For children with ASD, there are a variety of evidence-based treatment options, including Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), activity schedules/visual supports, computer-assisted learning, video-based instruction, behavioral interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy, play-based interventions, social communication/social skills interventions, literacy interventions, relationship-based interventions, parent-implemented interventions, and coaching and routines-based intervention. Read more!
