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Speech Therapy for Kids with ASChildren with Asperger’s Syndrome and Speech-Language Pathologists
Meeting with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) can prove beneficial for many children with Asperger's Syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder.
One of the main differences between a child with Asperger’s Syndrome and those with one of the other autism spectrum disorders is a lack of a clinically significant language delay. Per the DSM-IV, if there is a clinically-significant language delay present (ie. lack of communicative phrases by 3 years of age), then a diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome cannot be made. However, speech-language pathologists can assist children with Asperger’s Syndrome in a variety of ways. Social Skills GroupOne of the hallmark signs of an autism spectrum disorder, including Asperger’s Syndrome, is a lack of age-appropriate social skills. This may manifest in several ways including a lack of eye contact, the inability to merge into a group of peers or simply the lack of desire to participate in reciprocal communication. Some social skills groups are facilitated by speech-language pathologists. The SLP, who understands the nuances of language and knowing that language is one of the main methods of communication, assists children with Asperger’s Syndrome with acquiring social skills. Social skills in typically developing children emerge as the child ages. In children with Asperger’s Syndrome, these skills often have to be taught just as math facts are taught. Pragmatic Language InstructionAccording to the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) website, pragmatic communication involves the use of language, changing the language based on a situation and following the basic rules of conversation. Some children with Asperger’s Syndrome can be verbally gifted yet it is not uncommon to find pragmatic language concerns in these children. Pragmatic language is basically the social use of language. Children with Asperger’s Syndrome who also have pragmatic deficiencies may not understand how to take turns when engaged in a conversation with another child or even an adult. Other pragmatic language concerns include standing too close to a person while talking, coordinating facial expressions and eye contact in conversation and even understanding how to speak differently to a young child as opposed to an adult. SLPs can work with children with Asperger’s Syndrome to help them understand the rules of social language. Speech Articulation ConcernsSome children with Asperger’s Syndrome may present with speech articulation errors. This can be a result of low oral-motor muscle tone or perhaps a problem with the motor coordination required to make certain speech sounds. When a child with AS doesn’t grow out of typical speech articulation errors, working with an SLP may help reduce these errors. As a result, the child is better understood by peers and adults which could possibly decrease social anxieties that the child has as a result of his articulation. Speech therapy is a fixture among those with an autism spectrum disorder, including Asperger’s Syndrome. If you have a child with Asperger’s Syndrome and are concerned with one of the above issues, consider contacting your school’s SLP to request an assessment. Sources: American Speech-Language Hearing Association
The copyright of the article Speech Therapy for Kids with AS in Autism Treatment is owned by Melissa Hincha-Ownby. Permission to republish Speech Therapy for Kids with AS in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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