Speech Therapy at Home

Autistic people have difficulty processing verbal and non-verbal cues from others. Speech therapy helps them step by step to make them think, process, and understand the information they receive and express their response accordingly. Some strategies speech therapist use that we as parents/caregivers apply in an everyday situation with our autistic children:

1. Talk out loud/verbalizing about what you're doing and what's your child's doing. For example, you and your child are playing cars. You can say, "Vroom vroom, the red car is going straight. Next, the red car will make a left turn after passing the tree. Vroom vroom the red vehicle is almost approaching the destination, and Mom will stop in front of the grocery store. Mom opens the car door and closes it. And then beep beep Mom locked the car before entering the grocery store."
2. Repeat the targeted words over and over again in daily routines. For example, washing hands, wash, wash, wash, wash them clean.
3. Use simple phrases and sentences.
4. Tell them what you want to say and to copy you.
5. Use one more word than your child is using. For example, when your child says" flower," you add one more comment," it's a red flower."
6. Use visuals or show real objects when talking to them.
7. Simple sign language also helps.
8. Prepare a setting where they need to ask what they need, want, and limit the quantity, so they need to ask for more.
9. Attract their attention with unexpected actions.
10. Play and talk about their interest in toys or activities.
11. Explore something new: going to the zoo or the children's museum.
12. Teach language using songs and movement.
13. Read aloud storybooks.
14. Give some time for them to respond without pressure
15. Make more statements/comments than questions.
16. Limit question with two choices, for example: do you want ice cream or yogurt?
17. Use open-ended Wh questions.

When the speech therapist gave feedback right after therapy sessions, please do not hesitate to ask for 'homework' to work with your kids at home. 'Follow up' therapy at home will help your child improve even more, and you'll know their way of thinking and understanding. 

photo source: www.freepik.com