Communication is a vital part of daily life for all of us. It enables children to express their needs and build relationships. For children with autism, developing effective communication skills can present unique challenges. As an ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) company dedicated to supporting families, one of the most common skills we work on with children is communication.
Communication Skills
Children with autism may communicate differently, often using non-verbal cues or engaging in repetitive language. It is essential to recognize that every child is unique, and their communication style may vary widely. Some children may be non-verbal/non-vocal, while others might have advanced verbal skills but continue to struggle with social communication.
Visual Strategies
Visual aids like pictures, charts, and schedules can significantly help children with autism understand and express their thoughts. Visual support aids and tools include visual schedules (to outline daily routines or new routines), Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS) for requesting items, social stories which are visual stories that help explain social situations, routines and appropriate responses.
Functional Communication Training (FCT)
FCT teaches children to replace challenging behaviors with more appropriate communication methods. By identifying the function of a behavior, you can help the child learn more effective ways to express their needs. We can teach children to express their needs via verbal/vocal language, Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS), communication devices and/or gestures/sign language.
Promoting Social Interactions
Facilitating social interactions with peers can foster communication skills. Strategies could include structured playdates where children are presented with activities that they must take turns and share; group activities that involve working as a team and communicating; roleplaying.
Naturalistic Teaching
There are opportunities all around us to help teach children communication. Take advantage of everyday situations to teach vital communication skills. For example, during snack time, encourage the child to request their favorite food. This approach makes learning more meaningful and applicable to everyday life. Modeling language is also beneficial. For early language learners, when interacting with a child, label items around them and narrate your actions to help the child learn vocabulary words.
Multidisciplinary Teaming
Working with speech language pathologists (SLPs) can provide targeted support. These professionals can develop personalized strategies to meet each child’s unique needs, ensuring a comprehensive approach to enhancing communication skills. SLPs are able to work collaboratively with your child’s BCBA as well to develop a multidisciplinary approach to your child’s communication programming.
Conclusion
Enhancing communication skills in children with autism is a process that requires patience, creativity, and dedication. By employing these strategies and fostering a supportive environment, you can help children express themselves more effectively and engage with those around them.
