Speech Language Therapy

What is Speech Language Therapy?

Speech-language therapy addresses challenges with language and communication. It can help people with autism improve their verbal, nonverbal, and social communication. The overall goal is to help the person communicate in more useful and functional ways.

Communication and speech-related challenges vary from person to person. Some individuals on the autism spectrum are not able to speak. Others love to talk but have difficulty holding a conversation or understanding body language and facial expressions when talking with others.

A speech therapy program begins with an evaluation by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) to assess the person’s communication strengths and challenges. From this evaluation, the SLP creates individual goals for therapy.

Common goals may include improving spoken language, learning nonverbal skills such as signs or gestures, or learning to communicate using an alternative method (such as pictures or technology).

Examples of the skills that speech therapy may work on include:

• Strengthening the muscles in the mouth, jaw and neck
• Making clearer speech sounds
• Matching emotions with the correct facial expression
• Understanding body language
• Responding to questions
• Matching a picture with its meaning
• Using a speech app on an iPad to produce the correct word
• Modulating tone of voice

Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC)

Some people with autism find that using pictures or technology to communicate is more effective than speaking. This is known as Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC). Examples of AAC methods include:

• Sign language
• Picture exchange communication system (PECS)
• iPads
• Speech output devices (such as Dynavox)

The speech-language pathologist can help to identify which AAC method (if any) is right for someone with autism and teach him/her how to use the method to communicate.

You can also visit the American Speech-Language Hearing Association’s AAC webpage for more information. 

Social Skills

Speech therapy can also help people work on goals related to social communication. Speech therapists sometimes offer social skills groups in addition to one-on-one therapy.

They may also work on coaching children and adults on communication in different settings. This can include how to communicate with friends, communicating in a relationship, appropriate behavior at work, and more.

Feeding Challenges

Some SLPs are specifically trained to address feeding and swallowing challenges in people with autism. They can evaluate the particular issue a person is dealing with and provide treatment plans for improving feeding-related challenges.

Speech Therapy Activities for Adults with Autism

Speech therapy activities for adults with autism can be designed in a way that makes them more engaging, communicative, and expressive. These activities can also serve as a fun way to communicate with your family and friends.

There are many speech therapy activities for adults with autism that you can use to help improve your communication skills. One of the best ways to get started is by talking to other people in your community who have similar interests. You will find that it is very easy to find someone who can help you learn how to speak better.

When you begin using these activities, make sure that they are not too difficult or complicated. You do not want to overwhelm yourself when doing them, especially if you are new to speech therapy. You do not want to give up because it was too hard at first, but this is something that takes time and patience on your part.

When you start using these activities, try not to get discouraged by how hard they may seem at first. Instead, try something else that is easier for you, like singing along with songs that are familiar to you. This will give you the confidence and motivation needed to continue working towards a better speaking voice.

Speech therapy activities for adults with autism can help them learn to communicate more effectively and build confidence. Developing the ability to speak is often a difficult challenge for many people with autism, especially as they get older, but it is not impossible. With the right speech therapy activities for adults with autism, you can help your loved one learn how to communicate with others without feeling judged or embarrassed.

Speech therapy activities for adults with autism can vary widely depending on the individual’s needs, but they are generally focused on teaching basic communication skills such as making eye contact and being responsive to other people.

For some adults with autism, speech therapy may focus on improving their ability to name objects, describe things, and ask questions.

For others, it may focus on teaching them to communicate their needs and wants in more sophisticated ways.

In many cases, the goal is for adults with autism to be able to have a conversation with someone who does not have autism about anything from shopping lists to life goals.

There are many reasons that an adult with autism may need speech therapy. They may struggle with the ability to effectively communicate their needs and feelings. The speech therapist will work on helping them communicate better.

Autism is a developmental condition that can affect speech and communication, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do speech therapy as an adult. As an adult with autism, you may struggle with something called echolalia, which is the tendency to repeat words or phrases without meaning. This is common in autistic children, but many adults with autism learn how to overcome this and develop functional communication skills.

While there aren’t any specific therapies designed specifically for adults with autism, there are still plenty of ways you can work on your speech and communication skills.

Speech therapy activities for adults with autism involve teaching communication skills, such as speaking and understanding language. Adults with autism also engage in activities that promote social interaction and develop life skills.

Speech therapy activities for adults with autism help to address the specific needs of each individual, which can vary. A speech pathologist will work with the adult to assess his or her strengths and weaknesses, and incorporate exercises designed specifically for that person into their treatment plan.

Therapy may include practicing communication skills in a group setting, role-playing with a therapist, or engaging in activities (like reading books or playing games) that promote communication. Speech therapists also may train adults with autism to use augmentative communication tools (like tablets) in order to help them better communicate their needs and desires.