Speech Language Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder

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आभ्यंतर (Aabhyantar)      SCONLI-12  विशेषांक         ISSN : 2348-7771

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34. Speech Language Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Most autism behavioural intensive therapy programs include speech-language therapy. With an assortment of procedures, discourse dialect treatment tends to a scope of difficulties frequently looked by people with autism. For example, a few people on the extreme introvertedness range don't talk, while others want to talk yet experience issues utilizing conversational discourse or potentially understanding the subtleties of dialect and nonverbal signs when chatting with others. Speech-language therapy is intended to arrange the mechanics of discourse with the significance and social utilization of dialect. Such a program starts with an individual assessment by a discourse dialect pathologist to evaluate a person's verbal aptitudes and difficulties. From this assessment, the pathologist defines objectives that may incorporate acing talked dialect or potentially learning nonverbal relational abilities, for example, signs or signals. For each situation, the objective is to enable the individual to convey in more helpful and practical ways. The speech language pathologist can give treatment one-on-one, in a little gathering or in a classroom setting. Advisors who work with youngsters have extra concentrated preparing.

Introduction

Autism Spectrum Disorders, or more commonly known by the abbreviation ‘ASD’, refer to a category of developmental disabilities with problems in initiating and maintaining reciprocal social interaction, problems in communication and the use of idiosyncratic language and repetitive motor mannerism (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). Children who are diagnosed with this category of disorders share common deficits in social and communication, marked by lack of communicative intents, impairment in the use of nonverbal communicative actions such as eye contact and facial expression, failure to develop peer relationships, delay or lack of development in language expression, inability to initiate and sustain a conversation, use of idiosyncratic language and lack of social imaginative play.

In this paper we shall discuss the different speech problems and the therapies which can be applied to help in the betterment for the ones suffering with this disorder.

Speech and Communication Problems with ASD

Autism might affect speech, social communication and language development in a number of ways.

Speech Problems:

Ø  Not talk at all.

Ø  Babble with words

Ø  Talk or hum in a musical way

Ø  Utter grunts, shrieks, cries or harsh sounds

Ø  Might often repeat words after a person, also known as echolalia; and many more.

Almost 1 out of 3 people with autism face a problem in producing speech sounds for the purpose of communication. It is quite difficult to understand what they speak or try to communicate.

Communication Problems:

Ø  Difficulty in understanding the meanings of words outside what they learnt

Ø  Difficulty with conversational skill, including gestures and eye contact

Ø  Lack of creative language

Ø  Less comprehension of the meaning of words or symbols

Role of Speech Therapy in the Treatment of ASD

Speech and language therapist represent considerable authority in treating language issues and speech disorders. They are a key piece of the ASD group. With early screening and recognition of individuals in risk, speech therapists frequently lead the route in assisting with the analysis of autism and in making referrals to different specialists.

When autism is analyzed, speech therapists survey the ideal approaches to enhance communication and upgrade a person's quality of life. All through the treatment, the speech therapists likewise works intimately with the family, school, and different experts. In the event that somebody with autism is non-verbal or experiences real difficulty with discourse, the speech therapists may acquaint choices with the speech.

Different Speech –Language Therapies for ASD

v  Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Autistic persons having speech problems can get benefitted from variety of augmentative and alternative communicative (AAC) devices and methods. The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is one of the most commonly used among adults and children who have little or no verbal ability. Therapists, teachers and parents help the child or adult build a vocabulary and consistently articulate desires, observations and feelings through pictures. This system can be taught and used at home, in the classroom and a variety of other settings.

v  Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy (OT) addresses a combination of cognitive, physical and motor skills. Its goals including helping a child or adult gain age-appropriate independence and participate more fully in life. For a person with autism, occupational therapy often focuses on skills for appropriate play or leisure skills, learning and self-care skills. The goals of this therapy include independent dressing, feeding, grooming and use of the toilet, along with improved social, fine motor and visual perceptual skills.

v  Sensory Integration Therapy

Many children and adults with autism have challenges in processing sensory information such as movement, touch, smell, sight and sound. Sensory integration (SI) therapy identifies such disruptions and uses a variety of techniques that improve how the brain interprets and integrates this information. Occupational therapy often includes sensory integration. Other times it is delivered as a stand-alone therapy.

Benefits of Speech-Language Therapy for people with ASD

Speech- Language Therapy can benefit the overall communication. The foremost step for any Speech Language Therapist is working with someone on the spectrum is to complete a comprehensive assessment of communication skills. When the therapist has enough knowledge of where their client is with their communication skill development, the required support is put in place.

Best Time to start Speech – Language Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder

When it comes ASD, as soon as the therapies are started it is much better for the child to improve. Autism is generally detected before the age of 3, and the speech problem is evident around 18 months. At times it too happens that Autism is detected at the age of 10-12 months. No sooner as ASD is detected it is better to start the therapies to get better results for improvement.

References:

•         Exploring the boundaries of autistic disorder. Paper presented at the Communication Disorders in Childhood Conference, Children’s Hospital Education Research Institute, Westmead, Sydney, Australia

•         Children’s Health Guide

•         D.Bonvillian, J., E.Nelson, K., & Rhyne, J. M. (1981). Sign Language and Autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders , 125-135.

•         Mohammadi, M.-R. (Ed.). (2011). A Comprehensive Book on Autism Spectrum Disorders. Croatia: InTech.

•         Schopler, E., & .Mesibov, G. B. (Eds.). (1985). Communication Problems in Autism. New York: Plenum Press.