Austism

What is ASD?

ASD is a developmental condition that can cause various social interaction, communication, and behavior challenges. Because the disorder has wide-ranging symptoms and impairments, people with ASD can be anywhere on a spectrum from mildly impaired to severely disabled.

Behavioral ASD signs often appear early, with many children displaying symptoms before reaching their first birthday. Signs that could indicate your child is on the autistic spectrum include:

• Avoiding eye contact
• Not responding to other’s facial expressions
• Lack of empathy
• Difficulty making friends or not wanting friends
• Reluctance to talk and lack of interest in conversation
• Behaviors like spinning and rocking
• Not using appropriate facial expressions
• Needing order and routine with an aversion to change 
• Playing continually with one toy 
• Sensitivity to touch, sound, light, or smell

ASD has many other indicators. If you’re concerned about your child, it's vital to have them evaluated by a professional. 

How does ASD affect communication?

Children with ASD tend to be oriented to self more than others and exist in their own private world, isolating them from natural language and communication development. They might have problems understanding what others say and often struggle with nonverbal communication, like hand gestures and facial expressions.

Some children with ASD can’t communicate verbally or have minimal speaking skills. Others possess extensive vocabularies and can talk about subjects that interest them in great detail. Other issues that can affect communication in children and adults with ASD include:

• Difficulty understanding language’s meaning and rhythm
• Not understanding vocal tones
• Saying things that have no meaning or don’t relate to a conversation
• Echolalia — continuously repeating certain words 
• High-pitched, sing-song, or robotic speech

Children with ASD often have some speech and language skills, but they don’t match the milestones children without ASD reach. For example, they may be able to read but fail to understand the words’ meanings. 

How does speech and language therapy help with ASD?

Supporting children with ASD in improving their communication skills is vital to help them avoid frustration and fear in daily life and help them achieve their full potential. 

Many different approaches are available, so your Honeycomb Speech Services therapist will first complete a thorough evaluation. They can then recommend the most appropriate treatment, which could include techniques like augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).

Call Honeycomb Speech Services to learn more about supporting someone with ASD or request a consultation by completing the online form today.