Autism and Communicative Disorders Speech-Language Pathology

HyeKyeung Seung, Ph.D., CCC-SLP Associate Professor Communicative Disorders Program Dept. of Human Communication Studies Email: hseung@fullerton.edu Phone: (714) 278-7175

outline What is autism? What is communicative disorder? Speech-language therapy for autism Communication development in typically developing children How to facilitate language development for children with autism

What is autism? Diagnosed based on Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM)-4 guidelines Autism is a disorder in which there are deficits in: Verbal/nonverbal communication Socialization Repetitive/restricted interest

Pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) Autism Asperger syndrome Pervasive Developmental Disorders-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) Childhood Disintegrative Disorders Rett’s syndrome

Autism Is a spectrum disorder (low vs high function) Is a behavioral manifestation of some underlying (unknown) cause Has no cure at the present time, but interventions (i.e., speech therapy, occupational therapy, special education) can help them to improve their functioning level

Communication deficits in autism Some children are non-verbal Some children develop language but have difficulty using their language socially Some children use echolalic (scripted) language

If test results indicate significant delays? The child is qualified to receive (communication) speech-language intervention Frequency of intervention will depend on the child’s developmental level and severity Typically they will be seen for 30-60 minutes, 2-3 times weekly Often we use play based, child-centered intervention The focus is usually on functional communication

Types of language disorders Receptive language disorders Expressive language disorders Language domains (syntax, semantics, pragmatics) Mixed language disorders

Communication development Intentionality development Communicative functions Requesting Labeling Answering Social interaction Communicative means Gestures Points Vocalization/verbalization Communication temptations

Speech/Language Development Babbling Speech sound development Single word production 50 words in lexicon Vocabulary spurt Two word combinations Relationship between comprehension and production

How to facilitate language development? Use daily routines Use natural, meaningful contexts Follow the child’s lead Synchronize to the child’s interests Expand what they say Match the child’s language level