Speech Therapy

Children with autism may have major problems with both Speech and non-verbal communication. They may also find it very hard to interact socially. For these reason speech therapy is a central part of treatment for autism. But in general children with autism respond best to highly structured and specialized treatment.

Speech problems:

Children with autism may

• Not talk at all
• Utter grunts, cries, shrieks or throaty or harsh sounds.
• Hum or talk in a musical way
• Babble with word-like sounds
• Use foreign sounding “words” or robotic like speech.
• Parrot or often repeat with another person says. (Echo-Lalia)
• Use the right phrases and sentences, but with an unexpressive tone of voice

Communication problems :

A child with autism may have one or more of these communication challenges.

• Trouble with conversational skills which include, eye contact and gestures
• Trouble understanding the meaning of words outside the context where they were learned
• Memorization of things heard without what has been said.
• Reliance on echo-lalia The repeating of another words as they are being said
• Little understanding of the meaning of the words or symbols
• Lack of creative language

Our Speech language pathologist specialized in teaching language problems and speech disorder is a key part of the Autism treatment team. They work closely with the family, school, and other professionals.

Our speech therapist improve overall communication and their ability to form relationships and function in day to day life.

In SPARKS VIDYALAYA Our Speech Therapist specific goals are

• Articulate words well
• Communicate both verbally and nonverbally
• Comprehend verbal and non verbal communication, understanding others intentions in a range of settings.
• Initiate communication without prompting from others.
• Know the appropriate time and place to communicate something: for example, when to say “good morning”
• Develop conversational skills.
• Exchange ideas.
• Communicate in ways to develop relationships.
• Enjoy communicating, playing, and interacting with peers
• Learn self –regulation.

It is very important to start speech therapy as early as possible, when it have greatest impact. Intensive, Individualized treatment can help lessen the disabling isolation that may result from this social communication disability.