Speech Therapy
Speech Therapy for Autism
Speech-language therapy can help people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) improve their abilities to communicate and interact with others.
Verbal Skills
This type of therapy can help some people improve their spoken or verbal skills, such as:
- Correctly naming people and things
- Better explaining feelings and emotions
- Using words and sentences better
- Improving the rate and rhythm of speech
Speech Therapy can also help with:
- Strengthening the muscles in the mouth, jaw and neck
- Making clearer speech sounds
- Matching emotions with the correct facial expression
- Understanding body language
- Responding to questions
- Matching a picture with its meaning
Nonverbal Communication
Speech-language therapy can also teach nonverbal communication skills, such as:
- Using hand signals or sign language
- Using picture symbols to communicate (Picture Exchange Communication System)
Speech-language therapy activities can also include ways to improve social skills and social behaviors. For example, a child might learn how to make eye contact or to stand at a comfortable distance from another person. These skills make it a little easier to interact with others.
Explore Autism Resources
Developmental Milestones
Learn More
ABA Therapy, is it right for us?
Learn More
What does the CDC say about Autism?
Autism Diagnosis CDC
Diagnosing ASD can be difficult since there is no medical test, like a blood test, to diagnose the disorders. Doctors look at the child’s behavior and development to make a diagnosis.
ASD can sometimes be detected at 18 months or younger. By age 2, a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered very reliable. However, many children do not receive a final diagnosis until much older. This delay means that children with ASD might not get the early help they need.
ASD Treatment CDC
There is currently no cure for ASD. However, research shows that early intervention treatment services can improve a child’s development. Early intervention services help children from birth to 3 years old (36 months) learn important skills. Services can include therapy to help the child talk, walk, and interact with others. Therefore, it is important to talk to your child’s doctor as soon as possible if you think your child has ASD or other developmental problem.
Even if your child has not been diagnosed with an ASD, he or she may be eligible for early intervention treatment services. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)external icon says that children under the age of 3 years (36 months) who are at risk of having developmental delays may be eligible for services. These services are provided through an early intervention system in your state. Through this system, you can ask for an evaluation.
In addition, treatment for particular symptoms, such as speech therapy for language delays, often does not need to wait for a formal ASD diagnosis.
Causes and Risk Factors CDC
We do not know all of the causes of ASD. However, we have learned that there are likely many causes for multiple types of ASD. There may be many different factors that make a child more likely to have an ASD, including environmental, biologic and genetic factors.
- Most scientists agree that genes are one of the risk factors that can make a person more likely to develop ASD.
- Children who have a sibling with ASD are at a higher risk of also having ASD.
- Individuals with certain genetic or chromosomal conditions, such as fragile X syndrome or tuberous sclerosis, can have a greater chance of having ASD.
- When taken during pregnancy, the prescription drugs valproic acid and thalidomide have been linked with a higher risk of ASD.
- There is some evidence that the critical period for developing ASD occurs before, during, and immediately after birth.
- Children born to older parents are at greater risk for having ASD.
ASD continues to be an important public health concern. Like the many families living with ASD, CDC wants to find out what causes the disorder. Understanding the factors that make a person more likely to develop ASD will help us learn more about the causes. We are currently working on one of the largest U.S. studies to date, called Study to Explore Early Development (SEED). SEED is looking at many possible risk factors for ASD, including genetic, environmental, pregnancy, and behavioral factors.
Who is Affected? CDC
ASD occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, but is about 4 times more common among boys than among girls.
For over a decade, CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network has been estimating the number of children with ASD in the United States. We have learned a lot about how many U. S. children have ASD. It will be important to use the same methods to track how the number of children with ASD is changing over time in order to learn more about the disorder.
Our Blog
Latest News & Resources
Curious About Methods Used in ABA Therapy?
Effective ABA Therapy Techniques for Managing ASD Behaviors: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is a widely recognized and effective treatment approach for managing behaviors associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ABA therapists use various methods and...
ASD – Parenting Tips: Creating a Stress-free and Enjoyable Holiday for the Entire Family
Thanksgiving can be a time of joy and gratitude, but it can also bring unique challenges for parents of children with autism. Understanding and navigating these challenges is key to creating a stress-free and enjoyable holiday for the entire family. Here are some tips...
Embracing Autumn: Fun and Therapeutic Activities for Children with Autism
Autumn brings a rich tapestry of sensory experiences and opportunities for learning and growth, especially for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). As the leaves change color and the temperature drops, families can engage in various activities that are both...
Tips for Parents with Children with Autism During Halloween
Halloween can be an exhilarating time of year with its costumes, decorations, and trick-or-treating adventures. However, for parents with children on the autism spectrum, this holiday can pose unique challenges. The unfamiliar sights and sounds, combined with the...
Working Together: How Parents Can Collaborate with School Teachers for the Benefit of their Autistic Child
The success of a child’s education is built on the collaboration between the family and school. For children with autism, this partnership becomes even more crucial. Their unique needs, strengths, and challenges make it essential for parents and teachers to work...
Back to School and Starting Fresh: Navigating School Transitions for Kids with ASD
As summer winds down and the scent of fresh pencils fills the air, the back-to-school season is upon us. For many families with children on the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), this time can be filled with both anticipation and apprehension. Whether your child is...
Questions about insurance ?
We support our clients with a dedicated insurance team member within our company — that has years of experience in managed care contracting, coding, authorizations and billing issues. We are your advocate and partner in maximizing the potential benefits of your insurance coverage.