Do you have a child that has ASD or you think may have ASD?
Maybe you have noticed some clues/signs that you child may have the diagnosis and this has brought up some emotions such as sadness and disappointment?
It can be a relief to know that you have some answer and support to help your child reach their full potential....
At Specialised Speech Pathology, working with children with ASD is just one of our many interests.
ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts an individuals feelings, though processes, experiences and interactions with others. There is a lot of research around the cause of ASD to learn more about the condition.
Today we will be answering 4 main questions about Autism Spectrum Disorder:
1. How does Autism Spectrum Disorder affect communication
2. Does does speech therapy work?
3. How does online speech therapy work for people with ASD
4. What to do if your child may have ASD
How does Autism Spectrum Disorder affect communication?
As the name suggests, Autism is a spectrum. This means that no two people with Autism are the same.
Communication is a very broad term that includes understanding, reading, writing and speaking.
People with Autism may communicate differently and use sounds, signs, gestures of picture to communicate.
Many people with ASD have challenges with social interactions including:
· Regulating emotions
· Using spoken language meaningful
· Understanding other points of view
· Interpreting gestures and body language
· Initiating conversations
· Maintaining conversations
· Listening to others and following rules of discussion
· Understanding emotions and feelings
· Taking turns
· Making inferences
· Making and maintaining friendships
· Understanding humour
· Listening and following directions
· Reading and writing (some children have ahyperlexia which is when they read much earlier than most children)
· Reduced flexibility in thinking including adapting to the surrounding environment
How does Speech Therapy work for people with Autism?
Speech Therapy sessions for people with Autism is always different – there is no cookie cutter approach. We work on a tailored, personalise approach to ensure individual goals are met.
Speech therapy for ASD can support individuals and their families of all ages.
Speech Therapy for Children with Autism
A speech therapist for children may address social communication development or academics / language. They can social skills needed to help people with Autism to succeed emotionally and socially as well as work on literacy skills such as reading and writing.
If a child does not have the word to communicate, speech therapy may identify alternative and augmentative alternatives to communication or help them use gesture to communicate.
Speech Therapy for Adults with Autism
Speech Therapy goals would be centred around supporting adults in their everyday life to support their participate in work, home and the community. All with a view to supporting their quality of life.
Speech Therapy may involve practicing functional skills involved in socially engaging with others, practicing intereviewing skills or learning strategies that will support them to communicate more effectively within their work setting.
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How does online speech therapy work for people with ASD?
Some people may assume that in-person speech therapy is the best way to support Autism in adults and children. However, engaging in online speech therapy is very effective as it enables them to develop goals within the every-day home environment.
Family involvement is always important and will allow family members to reinforce concepts worked on in the session throughout the others hours of the week.
All assessments can be performed online and will also consist of intereview with parents/caregivers as well as observations.
Seeking help is often scary at first as it might seem like you are accepting that you or your child is ‘different’. Just remember we are all different and seeking help doesn’t mean there is anything ‘wrong’ with you. Speech therapy is more about identifying strengths and ways we can use these strengths to support the challenges, so that you or your child can be supported to reach your full potential.
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