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 Many conditions, including cerebral palsy, autism, hearing loss, developmental delays, may cause difficulty with speech and language development. Some children may not understand language. Some children may understand language but be unable to communicate effectively due to difficulty with speech. Sometimes children experience challenges in other areas of communication, such as hand gestures and facial expressions.
Speech therapy is a clinical program aimed at improving speech and language skills and oral motor abilities. Children who are able to talk may work on making their speech clearer, or on building their language skills by learning new words, learning to speak in sentences, or improving their listening skills. Children who cannot talk may learn sign language, or how to use special equipment such as a computer that speaks for them. Children who talk but have challenges with more discreet communication issues such as facial expression or gestural language use, may work on these areas of communication.
What are the benefits of speech therapy?
Speech therapy can improve overall communication. This makes it possible for people with autism to improve their ability to form relationships and function in day-to-day life. Specific goals of speech therapy include helping the individual with autism:
• Articulate words well
• Communicate both verbally and nonverbally
• Comprehend verbal and nonverbal 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
When is the best time to start speech therapy for autism?
The earlier, the better. Autism spectrum disorder is usually evident before age 3, and language delays can be recognized as early as 18 months of age. In some cases, autism can be identified as early 10 to 12 months of age. It is very important to start speech therapy as early as possible, when it can have the greatest impact. Intensive, individualized treatment can help lessen the disabling isolation that may result from this social communication disability.
With early identification and intervention, two out of three preschoolers with autism improve communication skills and their grasp of spoken language. Research shows those who improve the most are often those who receive the most speech therapy.
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