When parenting an autistic child, helping them to develop their speech sometimes seems equal to trying to find their way out of the wilderness. It can become overwhelmingly challenging, but there’s always hope.
Encouraging speech in an autistic child is a journey that comes along with patience, creativity, and consistency. Thankfully, there is a daily schedule for kids that can help this effort to move from a mere dry process to an effective one and, better, a fun experience for the child.
1. Visual Schedules
Visual schedules are useful for kids with autism because they offer an orderly plan of how the day is going to progress to minimize confusion and enhance concentration. These schedules also provide structure, facilitate interaction, and encourage the expansion of independence by offering clear information about transitions and change. It also meets the learning preferences of many autistic kids, as they may comprehend visuals better than words.
This assists in the creation of accomplishment due to the facilitation of visually checking off duties accomplished.
Furthermore, visual schedule autism ensures continuity and helps minimize the difficulties arising from changes or overwhelming stimuli.
2. Picture Boards and Visual Supports
These visual supports can be extremely helpful in dealing with children who are non-verbal or have little speech.
Visual supports help bridge the gap between thought and spoken language. Children can point to pictures that depict things, actions or feelings to convey what they require or feel without the use of words. Then, with time, they can learn to say the words associated with the pictures.
3. Play-Based Learning
Play is the natural way for a child to learn and develop new skills, which would give them the capacity to learn speech.
If the learning process is enjoyed, it is more likely that learning will take place. Some examples of ways to incorporate playtime with learning a language can include making use of toys and games or even songs that have repetitive language and sounds. For example, one can play with a toy car and just continue using phrases like “go car” or “stop car” so as to introduce new words.
4. Sing-Along Activities
Sensible music can also be a good way to encourage speech development.
Generally, children with autism like music, and singing along with the songs will enable them to get a grasp of rhythms and the sounds of speech. “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” and “The Wheels on the Bus” are all effective songs because of the repetition of language patterns that make it easier to commit words to memory.
You can sing these songs as soon as your child gets up in the morning, during playtime, in the car, or as part of your child’s bedtime routine. Encourage them to join in by singing the words or making the sounds associated with the song. Over time, they may start singing along, which can significantly boost their speech development.
5. Facial Muscle Practice Activities
Speech entails the coordination of different facial muscles, and in most autistic children, improvement of articulation by strengthening these muscles can be achieved.
Simple exercises such as making funny faces, blowing bubbles, or even imitating animal sounds can help your child gain better control over their facial muscles. These exercises aren’t only useful for speech but also full of fun and enjoyment.
You can practice them together, making a game out of it to see who can make the silliest face or the loudest animal noise. As your child’s muscle control grows with time, you might then notice improvement in the way they form words and sentences.
6. Label Household Items
Labeling household items is a very common-sense way to build your child’s vocabulary. You could label items in your home like “chair,” “table,” or “door” with a sticky note. In doing this, you make a visual reminder for words—seeing a picture of the object and a word for the object.
Each time you use the item, show your child the labeled item. The repetition helps your child make the connection between the word and the item.
7. Consider the use of Pivotal Response Training (PRT)
Pivotal Response Training (PRT) is a behavioral, evidence-based intervention model that’s specifically underpinned by the critical developmental domain of speech. PRT works with the child’s natural interests and motivations.
For example, if the child is interested in a toy, you teach language development using the toy. You might say, “Do you want the ball?” and then wait until the child tries to produce the word “ball” before finally giving it to them.
The key to PRT is to create opportunities for your child to communicate during everyday activities. This method is highly individual; thus, it can be applied to any child’s needs or interests. Over time, PRT can enhance your child’s verbal skills and ability to start a conversation.
Conclusion
Encouraging an autistic child to speak is a journey full of small gains and monumental victories. Use these activities in your daily life to create an environment where language learning can emerge.
Slow progress is also a significant milestone that will allow your child to flourish with time and consistency. Each of these will be fun and helpful tools in your efforts to bring on speech and communication through play, music, and interactive games.
Every child is different, and what may work for one child may not necessarily work for another. There’s, therefore, the need to be flexible to see what one’s child can relate well to. Additionally, a close working association with a speech therapist shall offer personally designed strategies and support to ensure that your child does well. It’s challenging at times, but it’s worth it when you see your child grow and develop their skills.
