Autism

Each person with autism has different abilities, but everyone on the spectrum struggles with communication. If you or your child need help learning to speak or improving social communication skills, it’s time to connect with Nathalia Fonseca, SLPD, CCC-SLP, TSSLD-BE, and the team at Bilingual Speech-Language & Swallowing Therapy in the Forest Hills neighborhood of New York City, New York. If you need to schedule speech therapy, call the office or book an appointment online today.

What is autism?

Also called autism spectrum disorder (ASD), autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Neurodevelopmental means that the underlying problem is in the brain (neurological) and that it begins in childhood and lasts throughout adulthood (developmental).

As a spectrum disorder, autism encompasses people with a vast range of abilities. People with autism may have low or high IQs. Some need 24/7 support, while others do well with occasional assistance.

While some autistics don’t speak, others speak fluently but can’t communicate in social situations. However, with consistent therapy, everyone on the spectrum may be able to improve their skills.

What challenges define autism?

Despite the spectrum of differing abilities, individuals with autism share two core challenges:

Repetitive and restrictive behaviors

People with autism generally prefer one specific interest and don’t want to talk about other topics or participate in different activities. Repetitive behaviors refer to needing a predictable routine and wanting to do the same activity over and over.

Communication and socialization challenges

Difficulty communicating and socializing affect everyone with autism to varying degrees. They may have issues such as:

• Not speaking or having limited speech
• Difficulty expressing wants and needs
• Difficulty understanding words
• Repeating words or phrases (echolalia)
• Difficulty following directions
• Struggling to answer questions
• Lacking play and socialization skills
• Struggling to understand conversations
• Having social communication problems (can’t use language to socialize)

Children with autism may struggle with social communication issues like not knowing what to say to begin or maintain a casual conversation.

How does speech therapy help autism?

The team at Bilingual Speech-Language & Swallowing Therapy identifies and builds on each person’s strengths. They use age-appropriate techniques to improve skills, whether that means working one-on-one to encourage speech, teaching skills that support social communication like taking turns in conversation, or having children join one of their social groups to learn and practice with others.

Bilingual Speech-Language & Swallowing also helps parents, caregivers, and teachers learn how to play and interact in ways that support speech and communication skills.

Speech therapy also treats another common autism problem: feeding disorders. Some autistic children limit what they eat. They may not be able to tolerate certain food odors, textures, or colors. Therapy helps expand their food choices.

Bilingual Speech-Language & Swallowing Therapy offers exceptional speech therapy for people with autism. To learn how it can help you or your child, call the office or book an appointment online today.