Speech Therapy
Speech Therapy
Our speech-language pathologists work with children to develop communication skills, improve articulation, language comprehension, social pragmatics, and alternative communication strategies when needed.
1. Communication (Verbal & Nonverbal)
Many autistic children have delays or differences in how they communicate.
Developing speech
Helping kids who are nonverbal or minimally verbal begin to use words, sounds, or other methods (like AAC).
Expanding vocabulary
Teaching kids to understand and use more words to express themselves.
Improving sentence structure
Helping with grammar, word order, and clarity.
Nonverbal communication
Teaching gestures, facial expressions, and tone of
voice.
Alternative communication tools
Introducing AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) like PECS, sign language, or speech-generating devices.
2. Understanding Language (Receptive Language)
This is about how well a child understands what others are saying.
Following directions
From simple (e.g., “sit down”) to complex (e.g., “put the
book on the shelf and come here”).
Answering questions
Teaching how to respond to “who,” “what,” “where,” and “why.”
Understanding concepts
Time, size, quantity, location (e.g., before/after, big/small).
Building listening skills
Improving attention and comprehension during conversations or lessons.
Understanding social language
Knowing how language changes depending on who you’r talking to (e.g., child vs adult).
3. Expressive Language (Using Language to Communicate)
This is about how a child uses language to express thoughts and needs.
Requesting needs
Like asking for food, toys, or help.
Sharing thoughts and feelings
Learning to describe things like “I’m tired” or “I feel mad.”
Telling stories
Organizing and retelling events in order.
Using correct tense and grammar
Improving how they form sentences.
Initiating conversation
Helping kids learn to start and maintain a dialogue.
4. Social (Pragmatic) Language Skills
This area is often a challenge for autistic kids and a big focus of speech therapy.
Taking turns in conversation
Practicing give-and-take when talking.
Staying on topic
Learning to stick with one subject and recognize when it changes.
Understanding perspective
Grasping what others know, feel, or need to hear.
Using appropriate greetings and questions
Saying “hi,” asking “how are you?” etc.
Repairing communication breakdowns
Teaching how to clarify or ask when they don’t understand something.