Overview

One of the most significant symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children is speech delay.¹ These children find it difficult to communicate effectively with their parents, caregivers, and other people around them. This inability to communicate and express themselves in an understandable manner can be a serious issue. Highlighting the importance of speech therapy for autistic children. Speech therapy helps children with autism overcome communication difficulties like having trouble talking, interacting, and understanding others’ body language.

In this article, we’ll explore the role of speech therapy for children with autism, the most commonly used techniques, and how personalised speech therapy plans can support each child’s needs. With this understanding, parents and caregivers can help children with autism improve their communication and social interactions.

What is speech therapy?

Speech therapy is a therapeutic intervention employed by speech language pathologists to help individuals who have difficulty speaking and expressing themselves improve their communication.² Speech therapy is used to treat language disorders in children, speech disorders, voice disorders, and even difficulty swallowing. Children with autism struggle with communication, ranging from verbal to non-verbal, such as understanding the tone of words, maintaining eye contact, and facial expressions. With speech therapy, children with autism can express themselves better and strengthen effective communication with those around them.

Understanding communication challenges in children with autism

Children with autism experience varying communication challenges depending on where they fall on the spectrum. Some may have difficulty understanding vocal tones, limited speaking skills, and misinterpretation of words.³ 

Repetitive language

You’ll notice that children with ASD use echolalia - a form of repetitive language where they repeat phrases or words over again. Echolalia in autistic children could be immediate or delayed.⁴ Immediate echolalia is when a child repeats the words immediately after someone makes the utterance. Delayed echolalia occurs when a child repeats the words after some time. It can be when you least expect that the child will utter those words.

Poor non-verbal communication

Children with autism avoid eye contact.³ You can never see them looking you closely in the eye. This makes them appear uninterested or inattentive. Due to their inability to verbalise their feelings and emotions, they may act in an inappropriate manner for you to understand them.

Social communication difficulties

Social communication is one difficulty for children with autism. They often don't understand the intent of some spoken and non-verbal communication. They find it difficult to see things from other people’s point of view, can’t initiate conversations, or respond appropriately in social situations.

Delayed speech and language development

One of the primary diagnostic symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is delayed speech and language development. Their understanding and comprehension of words are dependent on their intelligence quotient (IQ), comprehension, and attention skills.⁵

Unusual speech tone or rhythm

The speech pattern of autistic children is often described as “sing-song”, “monotonic” - where there is little variation in speech, or “machine-like” speech.⁶ Some autistic children speak at an irregular pace - too slow or too fast. These variations can make their conversation stiff, robotic, or disconnected from a typical communication flow. 

How speech therapy helps autistic children

Speech therapy is an effective approach that equips children with autism with the effective tools needed to navigate their communication challenges. The following are a few ways speech therapy helps children with autism:

Improving verbal communication skills

Speech therapy helps children improve their verbal communication skills by expanding their vocabulary and teaching them how to make use of language more effectively. With speech therapy, children with autism are taught how to use words and sentences, name objects and people, better explain how they feel verbally, and improve their speech rhythm.⁷

Enhancing non-verbal communication (gestures, facial expressions, etc)

Since non-verbal communication is essential in day-to-day interactions with people, children with autism need speech therapy to train them on a non-verbal approach to communication. 

Speech therapy teaches them non-verbal communication skills like hand and body gestures, sign languages, facial expression, and the picture exchange communication system.⁷

Building social-interaction skills (turn-taking, eye contact, conversations)

Speech therapy also helps in building social-interaction skills in children with autism. It teaches them how to make eye contact, take turns in conversations, and respond in a socially acceptable manner. This will help the child interact and make new friends.

Addressing specific issues like echolalia and speech delays

With speech therapy, children who exhibit repetitive language are guided to adjust their language from repetitive to conversational speech.

Key techniques used in speech therapy for children with autism

Speech and language pathologists/therapists use different techniques to support children with autism. These techniques are tailored to meet the specific needs of each child. Some of these techniques are:

Play-based therapy

One of the best ways therapists help children with speech impairments is through a play-based approach. This is because communication is more encouraged through play in children. 

By engaging in fun-filled and interactive activities through the use of toys, games, and other activities the child loves, language development can be promoted.

Picture exchange communication system (PECS)

In one study, one of the most common interventions speech language pathologists use is the Picture Exchange Communication System. It enhances a child’s visual tracking and understanding through structured teaching methods and behaviour analysis.⁸ This technique is used for children who are non-verbal or have limited speech. It adopts the use of pictures to help children communicate their needs and desires, making the child a communication initiator.⁹

Over time, children will learn how to exchange the picture of a desired item (snacks, toys, water, etc) for the exact object. 

Modelling and repetition

Children with autism are good at repeating words after a person, either immediate repetition or delayed repetition. Therefore, to reinforce learning in children with autism, speech therapists use repetition, like repeating phrases and sounds, to help them. Over time, the child will start to understand and use these language patterns on their own.

When to start speech therapy for children with autism

As a parent or caregiver, it’s important to start speech therapy immediately when your child has been diagnosed with autism. You need to look for signs in your child, like blabbing, difficulty making eye contact, or not responding to his/her name at 12 months old. Children who receive early intervention for speech delays are more likely to make progress in their language communication than children who do not receive early intervention. This is because when they are still younger, their brain is more adaptable to learn new skills and overcoming communication barriers.

How to find the best speech therapy for your child

Finding the right speech therapist for children with autism is crucial. It’s ideal for you to choose a speech therapist who is experienced with interacting with children with autism and understands the specific needs of each child. The therapist should have experience in autism specific techniques such as PCES and play-based therapy. You should also look out for track records/or testimonials of how they’ve helped children improve their communication skills.

FAQs

At what age should an autistic child speak?

Compared to children with typical development who have their first words between 12-18 months, children with autism spectrum disorder start speaking around 36 months old.

How does speech therapy help a child with autism?

Speech therapy helps a child with autism to effectively build verbal and non-verbal communication skills that foster interaction with other people in society.

How long is speech therapy for autism?

Each child with autism has their individual needs. Therefore, the duration varies based on the needs of each child; it can take months or a few years for some.

What are the red flags of autism?

Here are some red flags or warning signs to look out for in your child to know if he/she is autistic.

• Inability to make eye contact
• Lacks emotional or social reciprocacy
• Doesn’t respond to their name
• Loves to play alone
• Repetitive movement, like flapping of hands
• Non-tolerant of change in the structure of things

Summary

Speech therapy is an essential part of the support system for children with autism. It enhances their communication skills by offering them the tools needed to connect with the world around them. Whether through verbal or non-verbal communication, speech therapy helps children express their specific needs and improve their quality of life. However, for speech therapy to be effective, early intervention is needed. Parents should seek support immediately when they notice signs of speech delay in their children.