Speech-Language Therapy and Autism

The core features of autism include impairment in verbal and nonverbal communication and in reciprocal social interaction. Some Individuals with autism may be unable to speak or have very limited speech with difficulties to make eye contact, and little use of gestures and facial expressions. Other individuals with autism may acquire speech and may have a rich vocabulary but the speech remains repetitive and non-communicative. Many also have problems with word and sentence meaning, intonation, rhythm and difficulty to initiate or sustain a conversation.

Since speech and language therapy improves communication in individuals with autism, the speech-language pathologist plays an essential role in the evaluation and management of autism. The pathologist treats speech and language deficits, notably impairments in motor speech, semantics, and pragmatics. For non-speaking individuals, the pathologist designs augmentative and alternative communication systems and may use voice output communication devices.

 In most cases, the pathologist will use a combination of approaches in a program that include early identification, family involvement, and individualized treatment. Periodic evaluation must be made to find the best combination of approaches; a specific program is tailored to the specific weaknesses and the environment of individuals with autism.