Effective communication is a key challenge for many people with autism. Finding the right way to help them express themselves and understand others can make a big difference in their daily lives.
Needless to say, communication plays a vital role in the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this article, we’ll explore some of the best autism communication interventions that have been shown to work.
What’s the Impact of Autism on Communication?
The impact of autism on communication can vary greatly from person to person.
While some individuals with autism may have no difficulty with verbal communication, others may struggle with language development and functional communication skills. Approximately 30% of autistic children are minimally verbal or fail to develop functional language.
Communication challenges in autism can affect various aspects of an individual’s life, including social interactions, academic performance, and daily functioning. Difficulties in expressing needs and desires, understanding and using nonverbal cues, and engaging in reciprocal conversation are common.
Effective Communication Strategies
In order to enhance communication for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), various effective strategies should be employed. There are two commonly utilized interventions for this which are as follows:
Communication Boards
Communication boards provide a visual means of nonverbal communication for autistic individuals. These boards consist of images, which can be photographs, illustrations, or symbols, that represent different words, phrases, or requests.
By pointing or gesturing at the images, individuals with ASD can effectively express themselves and convey their needs.
Communication boards can range from simple bulletin boards with pictures to more sophisticated pieces of technology. The use of communication boards allows individuals with ASD to participate in conversations, make choices, and engage in interactions with others.
These visual aids offer a structured and accessible way for individuals with ASD to communicate, promoting independence and reducing frustration.
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is another effective communication strategy for individuals with ASD. PECS utilizes images to represent thoughts, needs, and requests. Through this system, individuals with ASD are taught to exchange a specific picture card with a communication partner in order to convey a desired item or activity.
PECS provides a structured approach to communication, allowing individuals with ASD to initiate and engage in meaningful interactions. This system can be used to communicate with therapists, family members, or other individuals in their environment.
Communication Interventions for Verbal Children
For verbal children with autism spectrum disorder, there are several evidence-based practices that have proven effective in improving communication skills and promoting social interaction.
These interventions are designed to address the unique challenges faced by autistic individuals and provide them with the necessary tools to enhance their communication abilities.
The National Professional Development Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders has identified 24 evidence-based practices that are effective in educating individuals on the autism spectrum. Many of these practices can be utilized to address communication and social issues in verbal children with ASD.
Some of the evidence-based practices that have shown promise in promoting communication skills in verbal autistic children include:
- Naturalistic Language Strategies: This approach focuses on embedding language teaching within natural, everyday activities. It emphasizes following the child’s lead, using visual supports, and providing opportunities for meaningful communication.
- Social Narratives: Social narratives are individualized stories that describe social situations, concepts, or skills. They help children with ASD understand and navigate social interactions by providing them with visual and textual cues.
- Video Modeling: Video modeling involves using videos to demonstrate appropriate social behaviors, communication skills, or daily routines. Verbal children with ASD can learn by observing and imitating the behaviors shown in the videos.
In addition to evidence-based practices, promoting social skills is an integral part of communication interventions for verbal autistic children. Social skills are crucial for effective communication and building meaningful relationships.
Some strategies that can help promote social skills:
- Turn-Taking: Teaching verbal children with ASD the concept of turn-taking in conversations can help them engage in reciprocal communication. Practicing turn-taking skills allows them to learn when to speak and when to listen, enhancing their overall communication abilities.
- Choosing Appropriate Topics: Verbal children with ASD may benefit from guidance in selecting appropriate topics for conversation. Teaching them how to identify topics of interest to others and adapt their conversation accordingly can help improve their social interactions.
- Perspective Taking: Understanding the perspective of others is essential for effective communication. Verbal children with ASD can benefit from activities that promote perspective-taking, such as role-playing or discussing different viewpoints in social situations.
Communication Interventions for Minimally Verbal Children
Minimally verbal children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face significant challenges in communication.
However, there are communication interventions that have been studied through randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate their effectiveness in improving communication skills in this population.
Two RCTs were conducted to assess communication interventions for minimally verbal children with ASD.
The first study conducted in the USA focused on a verbal-based intervention called the Focused Playtime Intervention (FPI). The second study conducted in the UK examined an alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) intervention known as the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS).
The FPI study in the USA involved 70 minimally verbal participants aged 32 to 82 months. The goal of the intervention was to enhance communication skills through structured play activities.
On the other hand, the PECS study in the UK included 84 minimally verbal participants aged 4 to 11 years. This intervention aimed to facilitate communication using a system of exchanging pictures to request desired items or activities.
Strategies for Improving Conversation
Improving conversation skills is another important aspect of enhancing communication in autistic individuals. Effective conversation involves skills such as initiating and maintaining a conversation, choosing appropriate topics, and taking turns.
Evidence-based practices can be employed to improve conversation skills. Some of these practices include:
Finding the right communication intervention for autism can truly open up a world of possibilities.
Remember, the journey to effective communication is a collaborative effort, and with the right tools and support, progress is not only possible but incredibly rewarding. If you’re seeking additional resources or support, consider exploring autism programs in Maryland.
For personalized assistance and guidance, feel free to reach out to Jade ABA Therapy. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your journey.