Child speech pathologists play an integral role in the assessment and treatment of kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). There are many areas of communication that may require assistance if your child is diagnosed with autism.
It’s important to note that no two children are the same just as no two children with autism are the same or will have the same needs as others. Each therapy program is tailored individually to each child based on their strengths and goals. As therapists, we aim to incorporate your child’s favourite interests and activities into therapy and take a family-centred approach whereby the parents are encouraged and empowered throughout the process.
Numerous areas of your child’s development can be assisted with Speech Pathology Intervention:
- Social communication & social skills
- Conversational skills
- Speech and articulation
- Language (receptive and expressive)
- Play skills
- Fluency or stuttering behaviours
- Literacy and higher language skills
Through fun and engaging activities, Speech Pathologists can enhance your child’s communication and help improve their independence and confidence in daily life. Overall, child speech pathologists endeavour to help your child learn how to express themselves, communicate and interact better with others.
Social skills groups can be very beneficial in providing a supported environment to enhance your child’s play and social skills with other children of a similar age. These groups provide your child with a safe and engaging space to learn and practise communication and play skills with other children who have similar goals.
Therapy for children with autism often requires a multidisciplinary approach, following an autism assessment, with input from a number of health professionals of which child speech pathologists often play a vital role. With the family’s and child’s goals taken into account, as a team we work together to empower your child to achieve and be the best they can be!
If you have any concerns with your child’s communication development and would like further assistance, please contact Kids At Max on (03) 9702 4447 to make an appointment with a speech pathologist or arrange a professional autism assessment in Melbourne today.
Written by Kids At Max Speech Pathologist