speech therapy autism spectrum worksheet

Free Flashcards

Our free printable flashcards are a good resource for speech therapy and individuals with autism. Our picture flashcards helps language development, speech practice and social interaction. These flashcards can be used to target specific speech sounds and improve articulation. Speech therapists can select flashcards with words that contain the target sound and use them during therapy sessions and also engage individuals with autism in conversation by using flashcards as prompts for questions and answers.

Animal Flashcards

Bodyparts Flashcards

Telling Time Flashcards

Clothes Flashcards

Community Helpers Flashcards

Daily Routine Flashcards

Household Items Flashcards

Kitchen Utensils Flashcards

Musical Instrument Flashcards

Shapes Flashcards

Vegetables Flashcards

Vehicles Flashcards

Weather Flashcards

Articulation Flashcards

B Sound Flashcards

D Sound Flashcards

F Sound Flashcards

G Sound Flashcards

H Sound Flashcards

ING Sound Flashcards

J Sound Flashcards

K Sound Flashcards

M Sound Flashcards

N Sound Flashcards

P Sound Flashcards

R Sound Flashcards

S Sound Flashcards

T Sound Flashcards

V Sound Flashcards

W Sound Flashcards

Y Sound Flashcards

Z Sound Flashcards

Ch Sound Flashcards

Sh Sound Flashcards

Sp Sound Flashcards

Th Sound Flashcards

Autism Speech Therapy Techniques: Guide & Activities

Autism speech therapy techniques  encompass a variety of strategies and interventions aimed at enhancing communication skills in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These techniques emphasize the development of language abilities, social interactions, and overall communicative competence.

Given that autism is a heterogeneous condition characterized by varying degrees of communication challenges, understanding and employing effective speech therapy strategies tailored to each individual’s needs is crucial.

This guide explores a wide range of speech therapy techniques, activities, and insights that can be useful for parents, educators, and professionals working with autistic children. With careful application, these methods can significantly contribute to fostering positive communication experiences, helping individuals on the spectrum navigate social interactions and improve their quality of life.

Autism Speech Therapy Techniques

The landscape of  speech therapy for autism  is ever-evolving, with professionals employing diverse approaches to address the unique communication needs of individuals within the spectrum.

Interventions may take various forms—some focusing on the development of verbal skills while others prioritize alternative communication methods. The goal remains consistent: to empower individuals with the ability to express themselves effectively and engage with their environment.

Individualized Therapy Approaches

One foundational principle in autism speech therapy is the importance of individualized therapy approaches. Each autistic individual presents a distinct profile of strengths, weaknesses, interests, and preferences. This diversity necessitates the customization of therapy plans to ensure that they cater specifically to the communicative abilities and personal goals of the individual.

Therapists often begin by conducting comprehensive assessments to identify the specific communication challenges faced by the child. Based on this assessment, a tailored plan can be developed that aligns with the child’s unique needs. This individualized approach not only supports language acquisition but also boosts the child’s confidence as they experience success in communication.

Evidence-Based Practices

Another critical aspect of effective speech therapy is the use of evidence-based practices. Many techniques have been extensively researched and shown to yield positive outcomes for individuals with autism. For example, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a widely recognized method that employs reinforcement strategies to promote desired behaviors and language skills.

Practitioners can maximize the potential for meaningful and lasting progress by integrating research-backed methods into the therapy process. Additionally, drawing upon established techniques such as Pivotal Response Training and Natural Language Acquisition ensures that therapists are equipped with reliable tools to facilitate communication development.

Functional Communication Training

At the heart of many successful autism speech therapy interventions lies functional communication training. This technique emphasizes teaching individuals to communicate in real-world contexts, enabling them to express needs, desires, and emotions effectively. Functional communication training typically involves modeling appropriate language use during daily activities, allowing individuals to practice and generalize new skills in practical settings.

Examples of functional communication training include prompting a child to request a toy, use phrases like “help me,” or express preferences during meal times. By engaging with language in contextually meaningful ways, children learn the relevance of communication and its role in their interactions with others.

Autism Printable Speech Therapy Activities

When it comes to engaging autistic children in speech therapy, utilizing  printable speech therapy activities  can be an effective strategy. These resources provide visual aids and structured exercises that keep children motivated while promoting skill development. Parents and therapists alike can benefit from incorporating printable materials into their sessions.

Visual Supports and Schedules

Visual supports are invaluable in establishing clarity and structure for autistic children. Printable visual schedules outline daily routines, providing predictability that reduces anxiety and fosters engagement. Children can follow along with these schedules, marking off completed tasks, which instills a sense of accomplishment and encourages participation.

Visual aids, such as picture cards and communication boards, enable children to express their thoughts and feelings through images. For instance, picture exchange systems can be employed to teach children how to make requests or indicate preferences using readily recognizable symbols .

Interactive Worksheets

Interactive worksheets designed to build language skills are another excellent resource for speech therapy. These materials may include matching games, fill-in-the-blank exercises, or sequencing activities that challenge children to think critically while developing vocabulary and comprehension.

For example, a worksheet may present pictures of objects alongside corresponding words. Children can be prompted to match the images with the correct labels, reinforcing their understanding of vocabulary in a fun and interactive manner. Incorporating elements of play into these worksheets enhances their appeal and keeps children engaged.

Stories and Visual Narratives

Storytelling is a powerful tool for language development and comprehension. Printable story maps or narrative templates can help children organize their thoughts and recount stories with clarity. By having visual prompts to guide them, children can articulate their ideas more effectively, ultimately improving their expressive language skills.

Incorporating familiar characters or themes into these narratives makes the activity even more enjoyable. By using relatable content, children are more likely to connect with the material and actively participate in storytelling exercises.

Nonverbal Autism Speech Therapy Activities

For many individuals with autism, nonverbal communication presents unique challenges. Therefore, implementing  nonverbal autism speech therapy activities  is essential for fostering communication skills beyond spoken language. These activities focus on developing alternative means of expression, enhancing social interaction, and promoting emotional recognition.

Encouraging Use of Gestures and Body Language

Nonverbal communication encompasses gestures, facial expressions, and body language. Therapists can create opportunities for children to explore these forms of communication through interactive activities. For instance, role-playing scenarios can illustrate how different gestures convey meaning in various social contexts.

Creating games that require children to respond to nonverbal cues further supports the understanding of body language. For example, a game could involve one child demonstrating an emotion through facial expressions while the other guesses the emotion being portrayed.

Such activities enhance awareness of nonverbal signals and encourage the use of gestures to communicate feelings and intentions.

Emotion Recognition Exercises

Developing emotional recognition skills is a vital component of nonverbal communication for autistic individuals. Activities involving emotion cards or visuals depicting various feelings allow children to identify and label emotions.

These exercises can promote empathy and understanding of social dynamics, empowering children to respond appropriately in social situations.

Engaging in discussions about emotions depicted in stories or situations helps children connect these feelings to real-life experiences. As they become more adept at recognizing emotions, they will be better equipped to interpret the emotions of others, facilitating more meaningful interactions.

Articulation Through Creative Expression

Artistic activities provide an excellent outlet for nonverbal communication and self-expression. Engaging in art projects—such as drawing, painting, or crafting—enables children to convey their thoughts and feelings visually. By exploring creative avenues, they develop a sense of agency and ownership over their communication.

Art can also serve as a conversation starter, as children can describe their artwork to others. This informal sharing encourages dialogue in a low-pressure setting, allowing children to practice verbalizing their ideas in a comfortable environment.

Preschool Autism Speech Therapy Activities

Preschool-aged children present a unique opportunity for  speech therapy  intervention, as early childhood is a critical period for language development. Engaging in targeted preschool autism speech therapy activities can lay a strong foundation for effective communication and social skills.

Play-Based Learning

Play serves as a natural medium for learning, especially in preschoolers. Incorporating play-based activities into speech therapy allows children to engage in meaningful interactions while developing language skills. Pretend play scenarios, such as playing house or grocery shopping, provide opportunities for children to practice language in context.

During these play sessions, therapists can model language use, prompting children to ask questions, offer suggestions, and engage in dialogue. Encouraging turn-taking and cooperative play further nurtures social communication skills, as children learn how to connect with peers through shared activities.

Storytime and Shared Reading

Reading aloud to preschoolers is a quintessential part of language development. During storytime, therapists can encourage active participation by asking open-ended questions, prompting predictions about the storyline, or inviting children to retell the tale. This interactive approach stimulates vocabulary growth and comprehension while fostering a love for reading.

Selecting books featuring relatable characters or everyday situations resonates with preschoolers, making the content more accessible. Using props or puppets to bring stories to life adds an element of excitement, further motivating children to engage meaningfully with the material.

Art and Crafts Sessions

Art and crafts provide an excellent platform for motor skill development while simultaneously promoting language use. Engaging children in hands-on activities allows them to describe their creations, enhancing both vocabulary and expressive language skills.

For instance, a crafting session could involve creating animal masks. As children work on their projects, therapists can prompt discussions about colors, shapes, and animal characteristics, guiding language development in a dynamic and fun environment. Celebrating children’s artistic contributions encourages pride in their accomplishments and promotes communication.

Autism Group Speech Therapy Activities

Group therapy settings offer unique benefits for individuals with autism, particularly when it comes to enhancing social communication skills.  Group speech therapy activities  allow children to engage with peers while practicing language use in a supportive environment.

Collaborative Games

Collaborative games foster teamwork and communication among children in group therapy sessions. Activities such as team-building exercises, cooperative problem-solving tasks, or relay races encourage children to work together toward a common goal. Through these interactions, they learn to negotiate roles, share ideas, and express opinions in a group setting.

For example, a collaborative building project using blocks or Legos promotes strategic thinking, as children must communicate their ideas clearly to construct a cohesive design. As they engage in these games, children naturally practice language skills while forging connections with their peers.

Social Skills Role-Playing

Role-playing activities enable children to practice real-life social scenarios in a controlled setting. Scenarios may include introducing oneself, joining a group activity, or resolving conflicts. Working as a group, children can take turns acting out different roles, allowing them to explore various perspectives while honing their social communication skills.

After role-playing, discussing each scenario’s outcomes can reinforce important lessons learned during the activity. Emphasizing positive communication strategies and encouraging constructive feedback cultivates a safe space for children to grow socially.

Peer Mentorship and Support

In a group therapy environment, older or more experienced children can serve as peer mentors, guiding younger participants in speech and language activities. Peer mentorship facilitates collaborative learning, as children observe and emulate effective communication behaviors demonstrated by their peers.

Creating opportunities for mentorship encourages social bonds and boosts self-esteem, benefiting both the mentor and mentee. This reciprocal relationship fosters a sense of belonging while reinforcing language development in an inclusive atmosphere.

How Speech Therapy Helps Autism

Understanding how  speech therapy  assists individuals with autism provides insight into its transformative impact on communication and social interactions. A structured approach to therapy can significantly enhance an individual’s ability to convey thoughts and emotions, leading to improved relationships and overall quality of life.

Building Functional Communication Skills

At its core, speech therapy for autism focuses on developing functional communication skills—skills necessary for everyday interactions. By targeting specific communication goals, therapists work collaboratively with individuals to establish effective ways to express needs, wants, and thoughts.

The skills acquired through speech therapy are applicable in everyday life, enabling individuals to navigate social situations, request assistance, and participate actively in conversations. As they gain confidence in their ability to communicate, they are more likely to engage socially and build meaningful relationships.

Enhancing Social Interaction Abilities

Speech therapy goes beyond just verbal communication; it plays a significant role in enhancing social interaction abilities. Therapists help individuals recognize social cues, understand conversational norms, and develop empathy toward others’ emotions.

Through activities that promote turn-taking, joint attention, and perspective-taking, individuals gain a deeper understanding of social dynamics. As they refine their social skills, they become more adept at initiating and maintaining conversations, fostering friendships, and participating in group activities.

Improving Self-Expression and Emotional Regulation

Effective communication empowers individuals to express emotions, advocate for their needs, and manage frustration. Speech therapy equips individuals with tools to articulate feelings and thoughts, reducing reliance on challenging behaviors as a form of expression.

As individuals become more proficient in expressing themselves, they experience increased emotional regulation and reduced anxiety in social situations. This newfound ability to communicate effectively leads to greater independence and improved overall well-being.

Speech Techniques for Autism

Implementing specific  speech techniques for autism  can optimize therapy outcomes and facilitate communication development. These techniques encompass a range of strategies designed to support verbal and nonverbal communication.

Modeling and Prompting

Modeling and prompting are foundational techniques used in speech therapy to demonstrate desired language use. Therapists model correct language structures and encourage individuals to replicate those models in their communication efforts.

For instance, if a child uses a noun incorrectly, the therapist may restate the sentence using the correct term while maintaining natural language flow. By hearing appropriate language models, children become increasingly aware of the nuances of language and its proper usage.

Visual Supports and Multisensory Approaches

Utilizing visual supports, such as pictures, charts, and diagrams, enhances comprehension for individuals with autism. Visual aids enable children to connect words with images, improving vocabulary retention and understanding. Multisensory approaches that engage multiple senses—sight, sound, touch—foster deeper learning experiences.

For example, pairing auditory input with visual representations during storytime reinforces word meanings and contextual knowledge. This multisensory approach caters to different learning styles, ensuring effective language acquisition.

Consistent Reinforcement and Feedback

Reinforcement is a crucial component of speech therapy, as it encourages desired behaviors and language use. Positive reinforcement, such as praise, tokens, or rewards, motivates individuals to participate actively in therapy sessions and reinforces their progress.

Providing constructive feedback enables individuals to understand what works well in their communication attempts and areas that may require improvement. A balance between positive reinforcement and meaningful feedback creates a supportive learning environment that nurtures growth.

Autism Therapy Techniques

Exploring effective  autism therapy techniques  illuminates the myriad ways individuals can access support and services tailored to their needs. These techniques extend beyond traditional speech therapy, encompassing holistic approaches that consider the whole individual.

Integrative Approaches

Integrative approaches recognize the interconnectedness of various developmental domains, including speech and language, social-emotional skills, and sensory processing. Therapists collaborate with other professionals—such as occupational therapists, psychologists, and educators—to create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses all aspects of the individual’s development.

Incorporating sensory-friendly activities, mindfulness practices, and emotional regulation strategies into therapy sessions enriches the therapeutic experience. By establishing a multi-faceted approach, individuals receive a well-rounded support system that considers their unique needs.

Parent Involvement and Education

Engaging parents in the therapeutic process is essential for long-term success. Providing education and resources equips families with the tools they need to support their child’s communication journey outside of therapy sessions.

Workshops, training sessions, and informational materials can enhance parental understanding of autism and effective communication strategies. Empowered parents can implement strategies at home, reinforcing what was learned during therapy and providing consistency in the child’s communication development.

Community Integration and Social Engagement

Promoting community integration and social engagement is vital for fostering autonomy in individuals with autism. Therapy should extend beyond clinical settings, encouraging involvement in social groups, recreational activities, and community events.

Facilitating opportunities for social interaction allows individuals to practice their communication skills in real-life scenarios. Group outings, peer mentorship programs, and community initiatives create enriching experiences where individuals can flourish socially and emotionally.

Speech Therapy at Home for Autism

Implementing  speech therapy at home for autism  presents an opportunity for families to play an active role in supporting communication development. By creating a conducive environment for practice, families can reinforce the skills learned in therapy.

Creating a Language-Rich Environment

Establishing a language-rich environment at home involves embedding opportunities for communication into daily routines. Families can engage children in conversations during mealtimes, encourage them to express preferences and provide descriptive feedback about their surroundings.

Using everyday moments as teaching opportunities builds vocabulary and comprehension. For example, discussing colors during snack time or labeling objects in the home fosters active engagement and promotes language use.

Utilizing Technology and Apps

Modern technology offers a wealth of resources for enhancing speech therapy at home. Interactive apps designed for language development can supplement traditional therapy while putting learning into a fun and engaging format.

Parents can incorporate educational games, storytelling apps, and communication tools into daily routines. These applications facilitate practice while keeping children entertained, providing meaningful opportunities for skill enhancement.

Consistency and Routine

Consistency is key when it comes to reinforcing language skills at home. Establishing predictable routines creates a sense of stability and security for children, allowing them to anticipate activities and engage more fully in communication.

Communicating consistently about daily plans, schedules, and events empowers children to express their understanding and feelings regarding their environment. This regular practice fosters confidence and familiarity with language use.

ASD Speech Therapy

ASD speech therapy  encompasses a broad spectrum of strategies and interventions designed to support individuals on the autism spectrum in achieving effective communication. Understanding the nuances of these therapies allows for tailored approaches that meet each individual’s needs.

Holistic Assessment and Evaluation

A comprehensive assessment is integral to developing effective speech therapy plans for individuals with ASD. Evaluations may include standardized tests, observational assessments, and parent interviews to gather valuable input on the child’s communication capabilities and challenges.

By taking a holistic view of an individual’s strengths and weaknesses, therapists can craft personalized treatment goals that reflect the child’s unique needs and aspirations. This thorough understanding sets the stage for targeted interventions that capitalize on the child’s abilities.

Collaborative Team Approach

Collaboration among professionals is essential for maximizing the effectiveness of ASD speech therapy. Speech-language pathologists frequently work alongside occupational therapists, behavioral specialists, and educators to create cohesive therapy plans that address multiple facets of development.

Regular interdisciplinary meetings allow team members to share insights and monitor progress. This collaborative effort ensures that individuals receive comprehensive support that extends beyond the confines of speech therapy alone.

Ongoing Progress Monitoring

Monitoring progress throughout the therapy process is crucial for determining the effectiveness of interventions. Regular assessments, data collection, and goal review help track improvements and identify any changes needed in the therapeutic approach.

This ongoing evaluation fosters transparency and accountability for all stakeholders involved. By assessing progress holistically, therapists can adapt their methods and celebrate successes along the way, motivating individuals to continue working towards their communication goals.

From printable activities and nonverbal exercises to group therapy and community integration, the vast array of strategies available empowers individuals with autism to express themselves confidently. By fostering a supportive environment and prioritizing collaboration, we can work together to unlock each child’s communication potential, paving the way for enriched lives and meaningful connections.

About The Author

John Hookway

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15 Speech Therapy Exercises for Children with Autism

Children with autism put forth a unique challenge, including communication problems , for their parents, caregivers, and therapists. Many children on the spectrum don't like interacting with new faces. They don't like being exposed to unknown environments and new situations.

Speech therapy exercises for children with autism can continue at home under the supervision of a parent and guidance of an SLP (speech-language pathologist). Either parent can mediate online speech therapy for ASD in the form of interactive exercises and activities within the comfort of their home.

Early interventions like autism speech therapy activities and behavior modification exercises can benefit a child on the spectrum. Research shows that some children who receive behavior and speech therapy early in life have higher chances of overcoming the signs and symptoms of autism as adults.

Most of these therapy techniques don't involve the parent and child in a clinical setup. These consist of activities, which can be parts of daily interactions, playtime, storytime, lunch, or dinner with the child.

Parents can add 5 to 10 minutes of such exercises and activities to their child's daily routine. Remember to keep these "sessions" short and engaging for the child.

If your child has a speech delay and other signs of autism, you can try numerous speech therapy exercises at home to aid their speech and language development.

Speech Therapy Exercises for Early Childhood ASD

It is now possible for child psychologists and SLPs to determine if a child is showing signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in their early childhood.

Speech therapy strategies for autism spectrum disorder in very young children should aim to boost their communication skills.

Here are some exercises you can do at home with your child –

1. Make Animal noises

Research shows that children with ASD often love animals and respond better to animal noises. You can use this information to set up toy barns, animal trains, and make-believe farms.

Mimic animal noises as your child picks up each animal. Soon, they may try to recreate these noises.

It is one exercise that SLPs recommend for nonverbal children with ASD as well.

2. Teach Them The Essential Words

Learning to use a few essential words like “more,” “help,” and "stop" can help your child in the long run. Many children with autism struggle to use known words in a new context. So, teaching your child to use the same word in different setups can be helpful.

Children with autism often have limited vocabulary, or they don't talk a lot. However, they may learn new words just like their neurotypical counterparts.

You can work with your child in familiar and ordinary environments to teach them the use of a few easy-but-necessary words. For example, during lunch or dinner, once they have finished eating a portion of the food they like, you can gesture towards their plate and say "more." Be sure to accompany "more" with a sign.

It may take some time for your child to respond and eventually say the words. It is important to not lose hope. Patience and regularity are imperative when you are working with someone on the spectrum.

3. Use their Favorite Toys and Snacks

You can use your child’s favorite toy and snacks for this activity. Keep the items out of their reach but within their line of sight.

It may take them a while, but your child can learn to gesture or signal for it. You can help them by pointing and saying the word, “toy” or “snack” for the first few days.

The next step is the child leading the adult by either gestures, signs, or looks towards the item they want. A child with mild to moderate signs of ASD may also learn the name of the items and use the names to ask for them.

4. Provide Positive Reinforcement

Many children with autism, especially those with mild to moderate autism, respond well to positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is an integral part of various speech therapy exercises experts recommend for children with autism.

The concept is simple – you provide a desirable reward every time they respond to their name, use an essential word or follow your instructions. It can be a piece of chocolate, one scoop of ice cream, extra time with the toys they like, or 30-minutes of additional screen time. The reward should be something that the child enjoys and likes.

Children with autism often struggle to respond to their own names, follow multi-step instructions, or hold conversations. This autism speech therapy exercise for kids may encourage the child to engage in behavior you deem desirable.

Next, we discuss Speech Therapy Strategies f or Autism Spectrum Disorder In Preschool-Aged Children –

5. Present Them With Multiple Choices

You can teach children with ASD to make their own choices by offering them more than one option in everyday situations. You can begin this exercise as soon as your child is old enough to talk. It is an essential autism speech therapy exercise for kids that encourages them to make their own choices.

While dressing them, you can hold up more than one pair of socks. Name the colors while holding each pair up like "red," "blue," or "yellow," and wait till they pick one. You can do the same when it's playtime. Ask them what they want to play with and mention the toys by name while pointing at them.

It may take weeks or even months before your child responds with a gesture towards the desired item or names one of them. Remember to not give up. These exercises will encourage your child to select an item and point at the object in response to your query.

6. Play Sorting Games

Studies show that children with autism may show interest in sorting or arranging their toys. The goal of this exercise is to leverage their interest and teach them the purpose of commonplace objects.

You can use real-life objects or picture cards for this game-cum-exercise. For example, you can use fruits and veggies from your kitchen or use picture cards with their photos. Encourage your child to group fruits and veggies according to color or taste.

Let them sort photos according to similarities in sizes and shapes. Mix several picture cards and let your child identify the different foods we eat, clothes we wear, and places we visit. It is an interesting and stimulating autism speech therapy exercise for kids of preschool age.

Let your child sort the different picture cards in a way that makes sense to them. It will encourage independent thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills.

7. Read Short Stories With Your Kid

Your child may have delayed speech, or they may be non-verbal. These are common speech-language disorders associated with autism. Reading with them and even singing rhymes may be a good exercise that encourages them to speak.

Choose an interactive book that comes with photos, pictures, and pull-outs. As you are reading, try to point at every illustration and describe what you are seeing.

Depending on how old your child is, you can ask them to describe what they are seeing. For example, you can point at the photo of a dog and ask what color it is. Or you can ask your child to gesture at the white bird in the illustration.

Try to engage in conversation about the story, the subjects, and the pictures. Ask simple Yes or No questions to your child about the story and its characters if your child shows interest in the book you are reading together.

8. Engage In Sensory Activities

Many children with ASD have sensory processing disorder . It can influence how their brains receive, process, and interpret the signals coming from their environment. Sensory activities can harness the communication skills your child has already learned. Improvement of their communication and cooperation skills is one of the many benefits of speech therapy for autism.

Some of the more common and effective sensory activities for children with ASD include homemade musical instruments, footprint painting, silly putty or cornflour slime, and scented play-dough. The idea is to help your kids get an experience of different textures, smells, and sensations. It may help your child to open up to new sensations.

A large percentage of children with ASD are averse to particular smells and textures. Be sure to consider their likes and dislikes while setting up their sensory activity tables.

The next set includes Speech Therapy Exercises for Elementary School aged children with ASD –

9. Use Communication Boards

Communication boards are an essential part of autism speech therapy activities and speech therapy for children with an autism spectrum disorder. You can use handmade boards or the digital ones you get for smartphones and iPads. Your choice should depend upon which format your child likes more.

Communication boards are part of an augmentative or alternative communication device for children with an autism spectrum disorder. You can begin using them at home, especially if your child is nonverbal or speaks very little.

Communication boards typically have one set of cards with a variety of images related to an event, for example, "play." And the other set comes with a range of emotions like a happy face, sad or angry face. The child can point at how they feel in response to an event or action you pick.

You can encourage your child to use the communication board for simple messages like "I'm hungry," "I need to go to the bathroom," and "I want to play." You can slowly advance their communication skills using the boards to make choices and ask questions.

10. Teach Them Facial Expressions

Children with autism often find it difficult to understand facial expressions . They may struggle to understand what the smile or frown on your face means.

It is possible to teach them the meaning of each expression and its importance in the social sphere. You can use picture cards or communication boards for this exercise as well. Say the name and describe each feeling or expression.

If your child is a little older than a preschooler, you can play a similar game using apps or digital facial expression cards. Make sure they have multiple choice answers along with a description of the emotions, so your kid can pick the correct one.

11. Teach Them to Ask Questions

You can begin this exercise using one of your child’s favorite toys. Hide it in an opaque bag and prompt your child to ask, “what’s in the bag?”

Encourage your child to ask more questions throughout the day like, “Where did doggy go?” or “Can I watch TV?”

Once they are familiar with how questioning and answering works, you can expand the activity by veering into social questions. Prompt your child to ask simple questions, such as, “How are you?” Make a list of similar simple social questions that your child can practice at home.

12. Utilize their Interests

Children on the spectrum typically have intense interests on specific objects. These may include Legos, art, automobiles, animals, music, and gadgets.

You can leverage their intense interest to explore conversations on the topic. Introduce your child to new material on the topic from the Internet. Ask them questions, encourage them to ask questions, engage in non-verbal communication, and practice turn-taking using the objects.

Speech Therapy Exercises For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder In Middle School And High School –

13. Encourage Socialization

Find support groups and students' groups for children with ASD. If there’s one at their school, nothing like it.

Encourage your adolescent child to sit with them. Even if they are not ready to talk and share, they should have a safe place where they feel comfortable.

Gradually, once your child is interacting actively with their peers, take them out for lunch or dinner. If they are willing, encourage them to place the orders.

14. Teach Your Child about Sensory Overload

Many children and adolescents with ASD experience sensory overload. It can happen when their sight, smell, touch, hearing and taste absorb more information than they can process. An individual with ASD may react “unnaturally” to sensory overloads.

Identify how your child reacts to such situations. Identify their triggers.

You can teach them how to cope with feeling overwhelmed by introducing them to noise-canceling headphones, earplugs, soft lighting, and/or nature-sound videos.

15. Help your Child Behave Appropriately

What is appropriate for one individual may not be for another. Appropriate interactions and behavior can change according to situations, culture, and relationships. It may be extremely challenging for an adolescent with ASD to understand the proper etiquette of social interaction.

You can talk to their behavior therapist, psychologist, and SLP. They can give you culture-appropriate exercises and activities to teach your child how to behave in classrooms, public places, and at home.

When Is the Best Time to Start Speech Therapy for Autism?

Diagnosing autism in children younger than 3 years of age can be challenging. However, in some cases, parents and specialists can recognize speech and language delays in children as young as 18 months of age.

Some telltale signs like repetitive activities, echolalia, resistance to changes in routines, and the inability to interact socially with others belonging to the same age group may confirm autism diagnosis in younger children.

Parents of children with autism can begin speech therapy for autism at home as soon as they receive a formal diagnosis from a speech-language pathologist, psychologist, or pediatrician.

Although it’s a life-long condition, some individuals show the ability to improve and acquire social communication skills as they grow older.

Can Your Child “Grow Out” of Autism?

The likely answer is “no”. However, there is a possibility of improvement through the correct therapy and exercises. It is impossible to predict which children will “grow out” of ASD. Nonetheless, early diagnosis and intervention increase a child’s chances of becoming a healthy, functional, and independent adult.

Children on the autism spectrum face varying degrees of difficulty in communicating. Speech therapy can help ! Above-mentioned 15 speech therapy exercises & strategies for children on the spectrum can strengthen your child's logical and analytical thinking, problem-solving attitude, and social communication skills.

Your child may be entirely non-verbal or shows severe aversion toward ordinary sounds, lighting, and textures. In such cases, it may be necessary to consult with a behavioral therapist and special educator immediately.

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Autism Emotions and Feelings Sorting Board with Real Life Pictures

Speech Therapy Pronouns He She They Sorting Activity Boardmaker icons Autism

STAGE 1 Gestalt Language Processing Goal Bank | GLP Autism IEP | Speech therapy

Following Directions Language Assessment for Speech Therapy : Autism Special Need

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Template Type

• Private Practice
• School Speech Therapy

Conditions and Issues

• Neurodivergent
• Social Communication Issues

Autism Worksheets

Having the right tools as a speech therapist is crucial for providing effective and personalized therapy to clients. Our speech therapy autism worksheets will help your clients enhance their communication abilities in a professional or social context. Our speech therapy autism worksheets will help your clients: Express their needs / wants / feelings, improve social communication, enhance language comprehension, respond appropriately in different social contexts, and more.

Our speech therapy autism worksheets (Editable, Fillable, Printable PDFs) are perfect for speech therapy clients in private practice, in schools, or in other professional settings. Our speech therapy autism worksheets can be downloaded and used instantly, giving you or your clients the ability to fill them out on a digital device or print them out.

Showing all 3 results

Subjective Neurodivergence Assessment Worksheet for Speech Therapy (Editable, Fillable, Printable PDF)

Pragmatic Language Skills Assessment for Speech Therapy (Editable, Fillable, Printable PDF)

Teacher Rating Scale: Pragmatic Language Worksheet for Speech Therapy (Editable, Fillable, Printable PDF)

Why our speech therapy autism worksheets.

Our speech therapy autism worksheets are designed to help speech therapists better serve their clients. Learn about some of the benefits our speech therapy worksheets offer:

Key Features of Our Speech Therapy Autism Worksheets:

• US letter size (8.5″ x 11″)
• Fillable / Printable
• Editable (If you need to make changes, we can provide you with a free editing website that will allow you to make changes to questions/statements)
• Longform responses
• Short form responses

Benefits of our Speech Therapy Autism Worksheets:

• Take in responses on a digital device like a computer
• Organize documents in an easy to find folder on your computer or in the cloud
• Search for specific questions and/or answers by using “CTRL + f” function on your keyboard when viewing your PDF
• Legibly read your or your clients’ answers
• Print copies that are high in quality – (we made our worksheets grey on purpose! They are much easier on your printer)

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