An important point to remember when looking to build communication with a child with Autism is to understand that they are all different and unique. This may seem a little cliche, but strategies that work with one child may not work with another. It is important to really know the child you’re working with and to make necessary adjustments to accommodate their individualities.
And even though every person with autism can learn to communicate, it’s not always through spoken language. Nonvocal individuals with autism have much to contribute to society and can live fulfilling lives with the help of visual supports and assistive technologies.
Here are 7 tips for language development in children with autism:
1. Encourage play and social interaction.
Allow your child to engage freely with items or within designated areas. To ensure the play and social interactions are motivating try having a box
2. Imitate your child.
By imitating your child’s sounds and play behaviors it will encourage vocalizations or vocal play. It may also encourage social reciprocation or turn taking. For example, when your child rolls a car, you roll a car. If he or she crashes the car, you crash yours too. Try not to model or imitate inappropriate behavior!
3. Pay attention to nonverbal communication.
Things such as the use of gestures and eye contact are a foundation for language and should therefore be encouraged by your child by modeling and respondingto these behaviors. Exaggerate your gestures so that it is fun and/or funny. Use both your body and your voice when communicating – for example, by extending your hand to point when you say “look” and nodding your head when you say “yes.” Some other simple examples include clapping, opening hands, reaching out arms, etc.
4. Leave “space” for your child to talk.
It’s so important to give your child lots of opportunities to communicate, even if she isn’t talking. Kids with autism often need time to process information (stimuli) so it is important to assume that they hear you but are unable to communicate that they can. Be patient and speak to them like you would any other kid.
When you ask a question or see that your child wants something, pause for several seconds while looking at him expectantly. Watch for any sound or body movement and respond promptly. The promptness of your response helps your child feel the power of communication.
5. Simplify your language.
It would be nice for them to respond to “give me the book” but initially, just responding to “book” would be nice too. It also makes it easier for imitation. Try speaking using mostly single words. If they’ve acquired single words, begin to pair words to create short 2-word phrases or comments (i.e. big train, roll ball etc.).
6. Follow your child’s lead interests.
Rather than interrupting what they’re engaged in (assuming it is not dangerous), follow along and pair actions with words. Pair funny phrases or names with the actions to be more relatable to your child. If he’s playing with a shape sorter, you might say the word “in” when he puts a shape in its slot. You might say “shape” when he holds up the shape and “dump shapes” when he dumps them out to start over.
7. Consider assistive devices and visual supports.
Assistive technologies and visual supports have become more and more prevalent and supported by research. They can do more than simply take the place of speech but they can actually help to foster its development. Here is a list of devices and apps with pictures that kids touch to produce words.
my-ble.com 