People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have trouble communicating with other people. They can find it difficult to have conversations or read body language, and they may not pick up on social cues. Speech-language therapy, also called speech therapy, is a type of therapy that helps them find ways to communicate. It can also help you learn more about your child’s communication challenges and how you can best help them navigate interacting with the world.
People with autism may struggle with all types of communication, including verbal and social, and speech therapy can help. The goal of this type of therapy will vary based on your child’s specific challenges and where they need the most help, but ultimately it's designed to help people with autism communicate in functional ways.
Speech therapy is just one of the many types of therapies available for children with ASD. If you’re a parent just beginning this journey it can be overwhelming, as there’s a lot to learn, and you don’t know what you don’t know. Beaming Health can help you find providers and connect you with other resources for speech therapy and beyond.
Speech problems and language problems are different, but they often go hand in hand. When therapists talk about speech, they're referring to verbally communicating by forming sounds and words. "Language" refers to understanding verbal and nonverbal communication more broadly. If your child isn't using as many words as they should, or other children struggle to understand them, they may be good candidates for speech therapy. Some common signs that speech therapy may be needed:
A baby who isn't making noises, using baby talk, or trying to mimic speech may have language difficulties. Being especially quiet is another sign of a possible language issue.
Speech problems can manifest as a speech impediment, and someone with a language disorder may have trouble pronouncing p, b, m, h, and w sounds in words. Speech that is especially unclear in toddlers can also indicate that the child would benefit from speech therapy.
Children typically start making gestures, like pointing and waving, in the first year. If a child isn't demonstrating these gestures, they could have language issues.