1. Autism and Communicative Disorders
Speech-Language Pathology

2. HyeKyeung Seung, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Associate Professor
Communicative Disorders Program
Dept. of Human Communication Studies
Phone: (714)

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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 minutes, 2-3 times weekly
Often we use play based, child-centered intervention
The focus is usually on functional communication

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

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

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

12. 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