Autism Spectrum disorder is a serious neurological condition which can impact the development of a person's nervous system. The condition of Autism has now become more frequent than it was ever before. Even in a country like India, 1 in every 70 children is reported with the issue of Autism. The conditions of Autism can be characterized by numerous signs and symptoms, among which the most common one is the repetitive or limited behaviour shown by the child.
While there is no absolute treatment for Autism, therapies can be suggested by health experts to deal with various symptoms of Autism. But how does Speech language therapy help Autistic people. This is what we are going to discuss here.
Speech Therapy for Autism
Speech Therapy is an approach that helps an Autistic person to overcomes communication challenges particularly social, verbal and non-verbal. Any person diagnosed with Autism faces numerous challenges among which the first one is the ability to communicate with others and express themselves. This is where Speech therapy can be helpful.
Autistic People face difficulty developing language skills where they are unable to speak properly. If able to speak, then they might face challenges in understanding the other person. Even non-verbally, they face difficulty to express themselves through hand gesture or even facial expressions.
Role of Speech Therapist in Autism Treatment
Autism and Speech Pathology go in parallel with each other. Communication is the first barrier for the autistic person to cross. Along with the inability to speak properly or express themselves, people with Autism show restricted or repetitive behavior.
The first step or approach under the Speech Language therapy is the evaluation or assessment. Under this, a speech language therapist assesses common action like language, speech, communication & swallowing. Based on this, it is determined that how the communication of the autistic can be improved.
Various approaches under Speech Language therapy based on which the communication can be made better include:
Correcting the facial expression.
Improving the responsiveness.
Various exercises to build up the muscle strength of mouth, jaws and neck so that the child can make more clearer sounds.
Speech Therapy can be Really Beneficial for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Speech Language therapy is effective for several issues like ADHD, developmental delay, Feeding Disorders, Specific Language Treatment, Cranial Nerve Damage, Hearing Loss and many others. However, the one condition for which it is most effective is Autism Spectrum Disorder. Through Speech Language Therapy, anyone with Autism Spectrum Disorder can benefit in many ways, some of which we have listed below:
Communication
Speech Therapy can be helpful in overcoming the communication barrier. Through this therapy, changes/improvements can be observed in both verbal skills and non-verbal communication. When it comes to verbal skills, the following changes can be noted:
Better use of words and sentences helps improve communication.
Children are able to speak more fluently, thus improving the rhythm of speech-language.
Due to these changes, an autistic person is better able to express emotion and feelings to others.
Speech Language is also helpful at non-verbal skills based on which a child will be able to use proper hand signal and picture symbols.
Express Their Needs to Others
The condition of autism spectrum disorder can come with various challenges depending on how it has impacted our nervous system. With the inability of the child to express themselves, it is more difficult to understand the child's needs and more frustrating for the one going through Autism. Thus, the development of the ability to communicate both verbally and non-verbally is really necessary. Through the therapy of speech language autism can be dealt with easily.
Social Interaction
Communication barriers or problems make it more difficult for Autis to have a social life. Through better skills or the ability to present themselves, chances for autistic people are likely to mix with other people or even have friends.
Reduce other symptoms of Autism
Due to the lack of communication or the ability of other people to understand them, a child with Autism develops their own way of expressing themselves. This is where you can observe other symptoms like repetitive behaviour, and other tech therapy can help develop functional speech behaviour so that others can understand their practice.
How to find the Right Expert in speech therapy for Autism near me
With Speech therapy, overcoming various symptoms can seem to be easy, but one wrong may lead the same in the wrong direction, therefore making things worse than ever before. Thus, it is really necessary for the parents to find the right person who can help their kid deal with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The role of speech therapist in Autism treatment is the most crucial part to deal with this neurological issue better. Therefore, keep in mind the following things while looking for a speech pathologist for Autism:
You need to make sure that the speech-language pathologist is certified. Along with that, make sure that the speech-language therapist has significant experience with kids having conditions similar to yours.
Next to confirm that child is comfortable around the therapist. Without any compatibility, chances of highly unlikely for any kind of improvement to be seen. Any experienced therapist should be able to engage your child easily and make them learn.
Last check mark is that the expert also involves the parents during the intervention. The reason for this is that it is only the parent with the child need to spend the whole day.
Find the Right Speech Pathologist for Autism
Autism is a serious condition which, without proper assistance, can get worse. While the child with the issue of Autism goes through a lot, it is also unbearable for the parents and other members to see their child suffer. Symptoms of Autism start with a communication barrier that can be seen in the early years. These things should not be ignored, and a proper approach needs to be taken to avoid any worse consequences for Autism. While it can be difficult to find a certified and experienced speech language therapist for Autism Treatment, connecting with Reflect Within can be recommended. Just dial the number +91 8928467288 to get the best assistance for Autism.
