Identifying Speech & Communications Challenges
Many children with autism spectrum disorder have related conditions and symptoms that can create challenges in social communication and verbal speech. ABA therapy happens to be one of the most effective treatment methods for autism-related speech issues. The techniques used by Magnolia Behavior Therapy’s speech pathology specialists are designed to take that progress a step further to help children overcome their speech and communication challenges.
Symptoms of autism spectrum disorder tend to manifest differently in each individual. This also means that your child’s speech and communication can be affected to varying degrees. Some of the most common being
What is Speech Therapy?
ABA treatment techniques in speech therapy are used to identify, diagnose, and address challenges with language and communication. The goal is to help children and adults on the autism spectrum to improve their verbal, nonverbal, and interpersonal communication skills. The overall goal is to help the person communicate more effectively to enjoy social interactions and build healthy friendships.
It’s important to note that communication and speech-related challenges typically vary from one person to the next. Some individuals on the autism spectrum can barely speak at all, while others love to talk, though have difficulty holding a conversation. This might also include challenges with understanding body language and facial expressions when engaging with others.
At Magnolia Behavior Therapy our speech therapy program starts with an evaluation by one of our board-certified speech-language pathologists. They use industry best practices to assess your child’s communication strengths as well as challenges.
ABA Therapy Improves Verbal Communication
Improving verbal communication through ABA therapy calls for a center-based format. Enrolling a child on the autism spectrum early in a therapy program allows for maximum efficacy and the successful management of their symptoms over time. ABA does a good job of addressing the roots of these challenges via positive reinforcement, and individualized treatment plans.
Magnolia Behavior Therapy helps support children dealing with behavioral challenges by also providing a safe space to proactively improve their communication skills. This includes a holistic focus on both verbal and nonverbal communication skills. Our targeted speech therapy techniques significantly improve the trajectory of your child’s speech and communication skills.
Benefits Of ABA Speech Therapy
Children With Severe Speech Impairments
Children on the autism spectrum with severe speech impairment often benefit from Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC). This might include things like sign language, speech output devices, or Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS). AAC needs a lot of practice to perfect and communicate effectively. So, you can trust that our hands-on partnering with your child and your family will be there to guide you at every step along the way.
Improving Social Skills
Speech therapy can also be a great benefit for children on the autism spectrum who need help improving their social communication skills. Our speech therapists frequently offer social skills groups to bolster the progress of one-on-one therapy. This gives your child the opportunity to practice their new verbal skills in a social setting.
In some cases, our ABA speech therapist will actively coach children to help them learn how to better communicate in different settings. This might include things like how to communicate with friends, navigating interactions with strangers, communicating in a relationship, and other things like appropriate communication behavior at school or work.
More Than Words Program
For Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Social Communication Difficulties
About the “More Than Words” Program
More Than Words is a program that provides parents of young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or social communication difficulties with practical tools to help their children communicate.
This unique program was developed by expert speech-language pathologists at The Hanen Centre. More Than Words is offered to parents around the world by Hanen Certified Speech Language Pathologists/therapists who have received specialized training from The Hanen Centre.
©2010 Hanen Early Language Program. All rights reserved.
Why Are Parents Involved in the More Than Words Program?
Parents are the most important people in their child’s life, as well as their child’s best teacher. As a parent, one of the greatest gifts you can give your child is the help he or she needs to communicate and connect with the world. In the More Than Words Program, you learn practical and powerful strategies to help your child communicate and interact during everyday routines and activities. It is within these familiar and repetitive interactions that your child’s communication skills will grow .
