Social skills and communication can be challenging for any child, but especially for those with Autism. It can be difficult for them to pick up on social cues and in conversation.
Autism Spectrum Disorder can range from very mild to severe. Depending on how challenges affect their daily activities. Often times the signs and symptoms of Autism are not very noticeable.
Challenges with behavior, social skills and communication often changes as the child ages. Speech therapy gives children the communication and language skills necessary for life.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), helps us understand what children with Autism may have challenges with.
Communication: This includes how a child understands things, write and read. Challenges include:
Understanding and using gestures like pointing or waving;
Understanding and using words
Following directions
Learning to read or write—some children with autism read early but do not understand what they read (called hyperlexia)
Having conversations
A person with autism may
Lose early words;
Be hard to understand
Repeat words or phrases they just heard or that they heard days or weeks earlier (echolalia)
Use a robotic or singsong speaking voice
Talk very little or not at all
Use challenging behaviors instead of words or gestures to communicate what they want
Social skills: A child with Autism may have a difficult time relating to others. Whether it is not showing interest or making friends.
It may be hard for a person with autism to
Share attention with someone else and focus on the same object or event
Join in play with others and share toys
Respond when others invite them to play or talk
Understand how others feel
Take turns in play or in conversation; and make and keep friends
Behaviors: A child with autism may
Repeat certain behaviors including hand or body movements
Cry, laugh, or become angry for unknown reasons
Have trouble changing from one activity to the next
Get upset by certain sounds, smells, or textures
Like only a few foods; choose foods based on look or texture
Be interested in only a few objects or topics
Don’t let your child fall behind
At First Words Speech Therapy, we understand how hard this situation can be for everyone, the stress of a new routine, and we are here to help you. Contact First Words Therapy To Schedule An Appointment, we have several successful strategies for parents to help their child at home.
