Autism, generally diagnosed in early childhood, affects an individual's ability to feel, speak, think and interact with others. Symptoms may include poor eye contact, delayed language skills, limited social interaction, fixation on routines and repetitive motions. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) suggests treating autism with programs and activities that encourage social interaction and improve communication skills. Early intervention for treatment of autism is highly recommended, according to the NIMH.
Music
According to Myra J. Staum, Ph.D., in an article at the Autism Research Institute, music activities help with the development and remediation of speech in children with autism. Whether a child's speech is nonexistent, impersonal or limited to grunts or shrieks, music may assist children to expand their speaking ability. When motions such as jumping or props such as a toy accompany a song, autistic children may learn new vocabulary. In addition, exposure to music and singing often modifies an autistic child's unusual speech patterns.
Books
Encourage communication with an individual with autism by starting an activity, stopping it and waiting for a request to continue the activity. In the middle of reading a book, for example, stop and require the individual to request more reading before you continue, suggests the Augmentative and Alternative Communication Center at the University of Nebraska. When singing a familiar song or reading a well-known book, stop at a repeated phrase or word to see if the adult or child will fill in the blank.
Language Games
Many children with autism improve their language skills through word games. Helpful games include Quiddler, Blurt and Scrabble. To address the individual needs of each child, keep games short, if necessary, or modify them. For example, rather than playing a full game of Scrabble, use the letter tiles without the board to create a simpler, shorter game.
Story Games
Story games develop language, vocabulary and speech skills. Have children tell a story-in-the-round. Start the story with a few sentences, then point to the other participants when it is their turn to continue the story. Tailor the topic and length of the story to meet the abilities of the children participating.
Social Skills Games
The Indiana Resource Center for Autism reports that supported social opportunities develop communication skills. Involve individuals with autism in social skills games to increase communication. Know the Code, a card game, teaches 50 social skills. The game Blunders teaches polite behaviors, soical etiquette and manners. Other games teaching social skills include the Anger Game, Mind Your Manners and Playing It Right.
References
- Autism Research Institute: Music Therapy and Language for the Autistic Child
- Indiana Resource Center for Autism: Initial Guidelines for Developing a Communication Intervention Plan
- Speech Language Development: Speech Therapy Games to Use at Home
- NIMH: Autism Treatment Options
- AAC Center at University of Nebraska: Activities to Encourage Communication
