ABA therapy with supplemental speech therapy continues to have promising results helping millions of children talk and communicate effectively and efficiently. At Solstice Behavioral Health and Consulting, our team will develop a learning program created to meet the individual needs and goals of your child.
Autism in children is associated with multiple related disorders and symptoms. Some of the issues include difficulties communicating socially and speaking in public. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the most effective method of treating autism symptoms and can help children with autism improve their communication skills. Speech therapy can enhance the progress of children step-by-step, helping them overcome their speech-related issues. In this article, we will discuss the ABA and Speech Therapy methods for children with Autism.
Speech and Communications Challenges
Because of the variety of symptoms associated with autism, the individuals’ speech and communication can be differentially affected by the severity of the condition. Some of the most frequent difficulties include:
- Being unable to communicate verbally or with extreme difficulty
- Mumbling or stuttering, especially when under stress
- Challenges with socialization and expressing emotion through speech
- Developing verbal tics
With intensive ABA therapy, some of these issues can be addressed or remedied early on. This is especially true if the children are treated immediately following diagnosis.
ABA Therapy for Verbal Communication
The most effective way to utilize ABA therapy is in a center-based format, and children with autism must be enrolled in services as early as possible in order to have the greatest impact and successfully manage their symptoms. The ABA method is effective because it addresses the causes of these issues with positive reinforcement, individualized treatment plans, and plenty of practice by skilled behavior analysts with board certification and registered technicians.
ABA helps children overcome behavioral issues while also providing a sanctuary for them to improve their verbal and nonverbal communication skills. Speech therapy that is specifically geared toward the development of a child, can be greatly improved and have a significant impact on the child’s ability to speak and communicate in the future.
Speech Therapy’s Benefits
Speech therapy employs a variety of methods to teach and improve communication skills in children through meticulous practice. Some of the methods include:
- Matching emotions with facial expressions
- Strengthening face and jaw muscles associated with speech
- Learning to understand body language
- Learning to respond directly to questions when being addressed
- Practicing tone of voice
- Matching images with sounds and words
- Honing social skills
For some children with severe speech impairments, speech therapy will involve the learning of Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) methods, such as sign language, speech output devices, or Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS). The utilization of AAC is demanding and requires practice to become proficient and communicate effectively. Be aware that it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional if you believe speech therapy is appropriate for your child.
If your child is showing signs of autism, early diagnosis and intervention is the best place to start their learning journey. Solstice Behavioral Health & Consulting is a team of experts and specialists with a plethora of resources to help your child overcome their speech and language challenges. Call us at 203-900-4720 to get started with an individualized treatment plan for your child and benefit from evidence-based teaching methods and a state-of-the-art facility.
