Speech and Language Therapy

Differences in speech and language are a core feature of autism, and they vary from child to child. Speech and language have different symptoms that can be defined as the following:

Speech impairment:

·         Articulation: making sounds and saying words clearly

·         Fluency: stuttering

·         Voice: pitch, volume or quality

Language impairment:

·      Understanding what is said

·      Putting words together into sentences

·      Vocabulary

·      Using language socially

Both types of impairment related to language and speech can be treated by a therapy called "speech and language therapy." This is a recognized program developed by the experts in the treatment of both impairments. This therapy is implemented by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) or speech-language therapists (SLTs), who are certified professionals. ASHA certifies SLPs (CCC-SLP) and states license them.

Speech and language therapy is implemented by a set of instructions and interactive activities that are professionally designed for the treatment of specific impairments in language and speech. Such activities involve games, modeling, practice and play, and other related activities that can improve and help children to develop speech and language proficiency. The following are some of the activities involved in speech and language therapy:

·         Language intervention activity: This is an interactive program in which the SLP interacts with children, using games and play. In this activity, pictures and events may be used in treating speech and language deficiencies. The SLP corrects the pronunciation of words and organizes a drill for the same.

·         Feeding therapy: for children who have trouble chewing or swallowing, the SLP works on safe eating.

·         Articulation therapy: This is an exercise that makes children aware of the procedure on how to develop certain voices and how to pronounce certain words and letters.

The following are a few main exercises that involve speech and language therapy. These activities are not hard and fast-paced, but the variations can be implemented by an SLP as per child demand. Look for an ASHA-certified SLP with experience in autism.

Reference:       http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/ill/speech_therapy.html#

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