Speech Therapy for Autism
PECS, Electronic AAC Device, Semantic-Pragmatic Language Instruction
Speech-language pathologists are tasked with assisting individuals on the autism spectrum with their communication deficits through the use of speech therapy.
One of the hallmark symptoms of an autism spectrum disorder is a language delay. Even children with Asperger’s Syndrome, who don’t have a significant language delay, still have problems with language usage. Speech therapy is one of the most commonly used types of autism therapy. The field of speech-language pathology is varied and covers individuals of all ages and with a variety of speech and language deficits. Read on to learn more about how speech therapy can benefit an individual with autism.
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is a method by which individuals communicate through the use of pictures or graphic symbols. PECS is used worldwide and was developed to be used for both children and adults with communication deficits resulting from an autism spectrum disorder. PECS is a product of Pyramid Educational Consultants; “the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS©, Bondy & Frost, 2002) is a unique augmentative/alternative communication training protocol that has received worldwide recognition for focusing on the initiation component of communication.”
Electronic Augmentative Communication
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) includes electronic “talkers”, or devices that produce speech output based on a patient’s input. Some of the entry-level devices contain only pictures; as the individual ages and acquires the ability to read, and subsequently type, these electronic devices become more sophisticated. Electronic AAC devices can be found attached to a home computer, attached to a wheelchair, and the newer software programs have small handheld devices for easy portable use.
Semantic-Pragmatic Language Instruction
Individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome or high-functioning autism typically have average or even above average receptive and expressive language skills. However, these individuals almost always have deficits in both semantic and pragmatic language. Semantics deal with the meaning of the word. When a metaphor is used, such as you are the apple of my eye, an individual with semantic language problems will try to determine if there is an apple in your eye. Words are taken at their literal meaning.
Pragmatics deals more with the social use of language and is typically another area of deficit among people on the autism spectrum. Speech-language pathologists are trained in ways to help the individual understand the semantic and pragmatic nuances of language.
These three methods of assisting individuals on the autism spectrum with their speech and language difficulties are but a few of the many techniques that speech-language pathologists use to expand the communication abilities of their clients. Communication is not limited to verbal statements as is evidenced by the technological breakthroughs of modern-day electronic AAC devices.
Sources:
Pyramid Educational Consultants
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
