Speech Therapy Ideas for Autism

Speech therapy ideas for autism are much different than those for otherwise developmentally normal children. While most speech therapy focuses on sound formation technique, there must be several other things considered when working with an autistic person. Other considerations are visualization and voice prompt techniques, as well as motivational strategies. Without these strategies, it is unlikely a speech therapy program for autism will be successful.

Determining the Level of Autism

• Autism is a spectrum--there is a higher functioning of autism known as Asperger's Syndrome. In some cases, it may be possible to teach these students a more normal course of speech therapy. At the more severe levels of Autism, speech therapy requires more specialized techniques. Often, those teaching speech therapy in such environments or with such students will need additional training. Parents should ask any speech therapist about their qualifications and experience teaching those with autism or other special needs.

Setting Goals

• No matter what techniques are chosen and no matter how severe the autism, there is a better chance at progress if certain goals are set. This may include a child saying a certain list of target words or achieving a certain level of spontaneous communication. If this is done in a school setting, these goals will be included in an individualized education plan, which will be reviewed periodically. Even if outside the school setting, goals should be set.

Augmented Communication

• This is a fancy word for the additional methods that could be used in the treatment of speech for those with autism. After determining the level of autism, coming up with an augmented communication plan represents the next step. Sometimes, a combination of steps may be used.
  These methods include using voice machines that help the autistic individual construct sentences and using a Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). The danger in these techniques is that the student could become too dependent on them and fail to learn normal communication without the use of visuals or machines. Therefore, the focus must always be on using these methods as teaching tools, but not crutches (see "Resources" below).

Motivational Techniques

• In addition to the actual teaching techniques, speech therapy ideas for autism will also likely involve some motivational techniques. A study on motivation and speech therapy at the University of California at Santa Barbara indicated a reward system would be enough to get an autistic child to talk in many circumstances. Those who said a target word were rewarded with a toy or some other stimulus and seemed to respond better. This did not focus on technique as much as it did simply illiciting a response.