Teaching Students w/ASD 2.2: Communication Domain

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Communication stretches are the second domain in which people with ASD find challenging. Impairment in this domain presents as follows:

-lack of language

-absent of desire to communicate

-excessive or formal speech with poor reciprocal conversation

Key features of communication domain:

Early signs:

-speech delay 

-lack of expressive language is of most concern for parents of children between 1-5

-difficulty with sharing needs ie not pointing, waving, or gesturing to what they want

-regression in the use of words

-difficulty with pragmatics (lack of eye gaze, lack of reciprocal vocalization, lack of need to communicate or delayed babbling after 9 months

 

Additional signs:

-atypical use of language

-echolalia

-atypical tonal or rhythm qualities

-mixing up pronouns

-regression of language between 15 and 24 months (sudden or gradual) that can be paired with loss of adaptive functioning, loss of eye gaze, etc.

-struggle with creative or imaginative play 

(Bernier, 2015, p. 75-76)

Important considerations for communication interventions:

1. Establish a cooperative environment 

2. Ensure the child is in an environment in which they can use strengths to interact with a communication partner

3. Introduce child to how communication is used

 (Caruso, D & Caruso, A, n.d.)

Interventions for communication:

Evidence-based practices for communication and social skills development: https://www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca/articles/evidence-based-practices-for-effective-communication-and-social-intervention.html

Speech Therapy Guide for Parents of Children with Autism: https://teach.com/resources/speech-therapy-guide-for-parents-of-children-with-autism/

References:

Bernier, R. (2014). Chapter 4: Assessment of the Core Features of ASD. In J. Tarbox, D. R. Dixon, P. Sturmey, & J. L. Matson (Authors), Handbook of Early Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorders Research, Policy, and Practice (pp. 65-79). New York, NY: Springer New York.

Caruso, D & Caruso, A. (n.d.). Children with autism spectrum disorder strategies for communication intervention [PDF]. Retrieved from https://pubs.asha.org/doi/pdf/10.1044/cicsd_25_S_28