Individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder--ASD--can show early signs of a communicative disorder characterized by a lack of response, babbling or vocal utterances by the age of two. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke notes that many children also experience regression in language or social skills, and lack appropriate facial expressions and eye contact. They may also have accompanying behaviors such as sensory and tactile problems.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Augmentative and Alternative Communication--AAC--is the delivery of new technological or visual implementations in order to effectively communicate with the autistic person. In AAC, National Autism Resources states that a speech or occupational therapist will use treatment options based on individual needs; these options include using typing, sign language, electronic devices, or pictures and corresponding words.
Sign Language
Sign language is a method of communication using only the hands and body movements to illustrate a conversation. This method is used for the primarily mute or those struggling with language acquisition. Many individuals with autism learn sign language as a communicative and educational strategy--initiating the art of conversation and appropriate speech without the use of vocalization of the words. National Autism Resources suggest that this method encourages nonverbal autistics to verbalize more, and helps them with acknowledging social cues and facial gestures normally missed.
Basic Communication Training (BCT)
Basic Communication Training--BCT--uses the most primitive language acquisition skill builders. BCT is used in situations where the individual is making only vocal utterances, and employs training in eye contact, gestures, body movements, babbling and vocal utterances as a means to create functional conversation by working towards the skills of staying on topic, taking turns and pausing where necessary. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders suggest that 25 percent of autistics will never speak--thus leaving the remaining 75 percent with a strong capability, given the appropriate learning tools as a foundation.
References
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: How is autism treated?
- National Autism Resources: Home > Children with Autism in the Classroom > Teaching Children with Autism Continued > Autism 101 for Teachers New to Autism > Sign Language Home > Children with Autism in the Classroom > Autism 101 for Teachers New to Autism > Sign Language Using Sign Language to Help People with Autism Communicate
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders: How are the speech and language problems of autism treated?
