Speech Therapy For Better Communication Skill

Autism affects speech and language growth along with a lack of social and communication skills in individuals. They sense trouble producing vocal sounds to communicate with others and the verbal sounds they speak (utter) are also difficult to hard recognize. The communication and speech issues seen in individuals with autism include:

• Partial or complete loss of speech
• Talk in a sing-song mannerism 
• Utter sounds like grunts and shrieks 
• Babble word-like sounds
• Repeat what a person says (echolalia)
• Say sentences without an expressive tone 

While facing these challenges, individuals with autism slip into depression or adopt an aggressive behavior as they are unable to convey their wants and desires. They need to learn how to communicate in a language or hold a conversation. For autism speech therapy includes building verbal and nonverbal prompts such as facial expressions, signs, body language and voice tone. 

Speech Therapy

Programs for speech therapy for autism begins with a thorough evaluation of the individuals by speech therapists to assess their verbal and communication challenges. Some of the common goals of autism speech therapy include improving both spoken language and learning nonverbal skills using an alternative method such as pictures. 

Speech therapists work on areas such as:

• Strengthening the jaw muscles 
• Perfecting speech sounds
• Using correct facial expression
• Recognizing the body language
• Responding to a question with an apt answer
• Deciphering what pictures represent
• Modulating of the voice tone 

Techniques for non-verbal individuals

Throughout the speech therapy sessions, the therapists work closely with individuals having major trouble with non-verbal skills. For speech therapy for autism, therapists introduce various techniques to help them express themselves. These techniques include:

• Use of pictures with words also known as a ‘picture exchange’ to help them communicate
• Use of over- or under-sensitive sounds to expand their speech-sound bank
• Massaging and exercising of facial muscles for improving pronunciation
  

Benefits of speech therapy for ASD

Speech therapy for autism improves the overall communication skill in individuals. This helps them to improve their relationships and to function well in life.

The goals of speech therapy for helping individuals include:

• Express themselves with the right words 
• Communicate verbally as well as nonverbally
• Initiate meaningful communication without prompts 
• Know when to use words such as ‘good morning’, ‘thank you’, ‘please’, etc.  
• Exchange ideas
• Communicate to develop friendships and improve relationships 
• Enjoy playing and interacting 

With early identification of autism symptoms and intervention to treat speech issues, speech therapists help to improve communication skills. Using a speech-related app, individuals with autism can develop language skills on an iPad, iPhone or Android phone.

Know About Autism-related Problems In Children

Every person with autism has problems with his/her communication and social skills. Known as a ‘spectrum of disorder’, the associate problems with autism can vary in various stages of severity. The children exhibit interest in particular things (watching their favorite cartoon show on television, playing with only preferred toys), or in repetitive behavior (flipping objects, running around) and do not like changes in their daily routine. They also have sensory problems towards certain texture/color of food, sound, light, taste and avoid being touched.

Autism Related Problems

Children with autism suffer from various problems, such as:

Sensory Problems 

Children with autism either over-react or under-react to sensory stimuli like smell, touch, vision and sound. At times they play deaf when called and at other instances, they get disturbed and react violently to even the slightest sound. They also tend to be sensitive to touch and cringe to the certain texture of fabric, paints or even a friendly hug.

Pica Problem

Known as one of the most harmful associated problems with autism, the unique behavior of ‘pica’ inspire the individuals to consume non-food items like mud, chalk, hair, paint, clay, or chew on pencils. This problem occurs due to various reasons:

• This type of problem is similar to repetitive behavior (spinning) in which the individuals enjoy consuming non-food items.
• Individuals are unable to differentiate between food and non-food items.
• Genuine cravings and nutritional deficiency (iron or zinc) give rise to pica problem.

Problem With Learning Abilities

Learning disability in autism affects the intellect of individuals where they face difficulties in interacting with others, adapting to different situations, and controlling their behavior. The most common behaviors seen in individuals with a learning disability are:

• Stereotyped behaviors (rocking the body)
• Self-injury (banging head on the wall)
• Epilepsy

In contrast to the above associate learning problems with autism, some of the children also fall under savant category where they excel in various subjects.

Sleep Disorder

Sleep disorder in children is one of the commonly diagnosed problems with autism. This problem is linked to restlessness, irregular sleep pattern, and difficulty falling asleep. These patterns can lead to problems which include reduced cognitive and learning skills, anger, depression and irritation.

How To Help Children Lead A Better Life

Various therapies and medications help to provide relief from various problems with autism.  Parents must visit a doctor as soon as they detect the symptoms of autism for safe and effective treatment, according to their needs and complications.

Occupational Therapy Strategies For Improved Life Activities

An individual who is tormented with often experience trouble when interacting or communicating with people around them. He/she also lack-in interest (hobbies), activities, and play skills. To develop these limited or lost skills, occupational therapy for autism can help to develop them at home or during the sessions under the guidance of an occupational therapist.

Occupational therapy intervention for autism children is one of the most beneficial interventions, which involves simple strategies, to target various sensory processing disorders too. The therapy helps individuals, across their lifespan, to do the things that are essential for daily activities (occupations).

Why Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy for autism help individuals to participate fully in school and social situations, regain underdeveloped skills and provide supports for physical and cognitive transformation. Occupational therapy typically includes strategies to maintain, and develop the functional skills needed in life to promote: 

• Learning 
• Cognitive sill
• social interaction 
• self-confidence 
• independence 

An occupational therapist uses a holistic approach, according to each individual’s needs, to enhance his/her physical, emotional, social, sensory and intellectual abilities.

 The Role Of Occupational Therapists

Occupational therapists study human growth, emotional, physiological effects, and his/her interaction with the environment through their daily activities. Through planned strategies and set goals, they help to encourage skills in individuals with autism and other neurological disorders essential for independent living. Their set specific goals often involve social interaction and classroom performance.

Occupational therapists gather all the required information to develop a program according to each individual’s needs. The therapists observe them to see if they can do tasks like tying shoelaces and getting dressed. They also combine various strategies to help individuals respond better to the environment. These strategies include:

• Physical activities such as spinning, skipping, jumping and balancing on a wobble board develop body coordination. 
• Play activities such as swing, block-games and puzzle help develop communication and interaction skill.
• For individuals who dislike brushing their teeth use of a vibrating toothbrush or toothpaste that they prefer are included.
• Adaptive strategies to handle transition issues with less stress.

Occupational therapists use methods to promote the skills essential for individuals to participate in daily life activities. Thus, occupational therapy for autism is a sure way to build skills such as handwriting, motor skill, bathing, dressing, and other daily living skills. Occupational therapists support individuals (of all ages) with autism to live life to its fullest and promote renewed health to live better within society. 

What Causes Autism Spectrum Disorder In Children?

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological condition that impacts how a person communicates, understands, and socializes with others. The symptoms of autism also include restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. Autism is referred to as a ‘spectrum’ due to the wide range of symptoms that vary in severity.

Autism spectrum disorder sets in prenatal stages, soon after delivery or in early childhood, causing functionality issues. Some children may appear to grow normally for the first 12 months and may suddenly exhibit symptoms of autism or a period of regression between 12 to 24 months of age. Parents often wonder as to what causes autism spectrum disorder?

What Causes Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Both genetic and environmental factors are the reason behind the onset of autism.

• Genetic Factors: Different types of genes are said to be the cause of autism in children. In some children, autism is associated with a genetic disorder such as Fragile X syndrome or Rett syndrome. Genetic changes or mutations also increase the chances of autism spectrum disorder which are either inherited or occur spontaneously. They affect brain development and disturb the brain's plasticity.
• Environmental Factors: Some of the factors such as viral infections, alcohol, and drug abuse, medication for depression, exposure to air pollutants and toxic along with complications during pregnancy, play an important role in prompting autism spectrum disorder.

Other Risk Factors:

• Extreme prematurity: A baby born before 26 weeks of gestation has a greater chance of acquiring autism spectrum disorder.

• Parent’s age: A child born to older parents also has a risk of having this disorder.  

Symptoms

Each child with autism spectrum disorder has a different set of symptoms that varies in the level of severity and functioning. They may have difficulty learning, lower/normal/high intelligence levels, trouble in communicating and adjusting to social situations.

Symptoms of social, communication and intellectual disabilities

Some of the symptoms of autism that exhibit social, communication and intellectual disabilities in children are:

• Failure to respond to his/her name
• Do not like to be touched or embraced
• Prefer playing alone and avoid other children
• Poor eye contact
• Lacks facial expression
• Delayed speech
• Speaks a singsong voice
• Do not understand orders
• Unaware of other people’s emotions
• Do not point at objects
• Difficulty in understanding nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions, signs or the tone of voice

Symptoms of Behavior Disabilities

• Repetitive or restricted movements
• Follow a specific routine and get annoyed at the slightest change
• Has odd movement patterns, such as walking on toes
• Fascinated by certain parts of the toys such as the wheel of a bus or the head of a teddy bear
• Show sensitive towards sound, light, or touch
• Specific food preferences of a particular texture or color

Because of the unique mixture of symptoms in each child, severity can sometimes be difficult to determine. The severity of autism spectrum disorder in children is based on the level of impairments and their ability to function. While there is no cure for autism, early treatment through various rehabilitation therapies can make a big difference in the lives of individuals.

For more details on autism: https://www.autismconnect.com/early-signs-symptoms-of-autism

Factors That Trigger Autism

Known as a disorder related to brain development, autism impacts the way a person perceives, communicates and socializes. Along with interaction
and communication issues, autism includes restricted or repetitive patterns of activities. The word ‘spectrum’ in autism spectrum disorder refers to the
wide range of symptoms and severity found in a person with autism.

What causes autism spectrum disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder arises in the early childhood stage. Children with the autism, at times, develop normally till 12 to 18 months after birth and
then go through a regression period anytime during 18 and 24 months of age. They begin exhibiting symptoms of autism which calls for an intensive
and early treatment. Although there is no complete cure for autism, a consultation with the doctors can help the person to gain essential skills.  

The queries asked by parent and caregiver are “what causes autism, its symptoms and treatment/therapies options?’ Due to the complexity of the
disorder, autism spectrum disorder does not arise because of a single known cause.

So, what causes autism spectrum disorder? Genetics and environmental factors play a role in the onset of the disorder.

Genetics: Several genes are involved in causing autism spectrum disorder. A genetic disorder like fragile X syndrome or Rett syndrome and genetic
changes increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder in children. Genetic mutations are either inherited or occur spontaneously.

Environmental factors:  Infection during pregnancy, premature birth, complications during pregnancy, excessive consumption of alcohol or drugs by
expectant mothers, and exposure to toxic or chemicals are some of the factors that trigger autism in children. Viral infection or air pollutants also play
a role in triggering autism spectrum disorder.

Symptoms

Each child with autism has a unique pattern of behavior, from low functioning to high functioning and varying according to severity. 

Signs of autism are visible in some children during early infancy. Symptoms such as lack of response (when called), reduced eye contact, and inability to
attain the motor milestone. They may develop normally during the first few months after birth, then by the age of 2 years, they become aggressive, withdrawn,
and lose some of the skills (language, recognition) which they acquired.  

As they grow, children with autism spectrum disorder experience difficulty learning, trouble communicating and adjusting to social situations. They also find
difficulty in buttoning their shirt, tying shoelaces, brushing teeth, using the bathroom when the need arises, etc.

In each child, severity can be determined on the level of impairments and their impact on his/her function.

Some Of The Noticeable Early Signs Of Autism In Children

Autism is a neurological disorder which sets in due to various reasons such as genetic mutilation and environmental factor. Thus, a child is tormented
with the disorder during the gestation period or as soon as he is born. Although the early signs of autism in kids are visible between 3 to 6 months,
they do not get diagnosed they are much older.  

It is important for parents and caregivers to pay close attention to a child’s behavior to detect if he/she displays any signs of autism. If parental instinct
convey that some there is a delay or a miss in reaching the milestone by your child, it is the right to trust and seek an expert opinion.
Remember, early intervention is beneficial.

 Babies

Some of the early signs of autism in kids and babies to look out for:
1. Lack of eye contact

Babies who develop autism showed the absence of maintaining eye contact people between 2 and 6 months of age.

2. They do not respond or  attempt an interaction

Babies usually respond to slight sounds. Babies with autism look at people but fail to respond to their name or display facial expressions.
This can indicate the possibility of autism.

3. No babbles or cooing sound

A baby often babbles or make pleasant sounds around the age of 6 months. However, babies with autism do not babble when pleased

Toddlers

1. Do not socialize

Children with autism prefer to be alone. They do not play or share their things with others. 

2. Inability to communicate

One of the early signs of autism in children with autism is a lack of communication skill.  They fail to communicate using sound, words or gesture.
They also lack interest in activities.

3. Repetitive behavior

Children with autism tend to be repetitive in their action or movements, such as flapping hands, rocking or twirling. They may also become
very obsessive with these behaviors.

4. Absence of gesture

Children often point towards objects that attracts them or gesture to indicate interest. But a child with autism does not show any interest in objects.

Not every child with autism have the same symptoms. Early diagnosis and on-time therapy interventions can help him/her to obtain some
of the essential skills needed for living.

The type of treatment a child receives for autism depends on the skills he/she needs to acquire. Different types of therapies such as
speech therapy, applied behavior analysis, occupational therapy, sensory integration therapy, etc.  help in reducing the symptoms of
autism and to improve his/her communication and learning skills.

Should A Child With Autism Placed On A GFCF Diet?

Some medications and nutritional factors contain allergies that result in dire consequences for children having autism. As some of the symptoms of autism are related to the gastrointestinal tract and behavioral factors such as problematic
dietary/feeding behaviors and sensory processing difficulties. Parents must approach registered dieticians for an autism diet plan to treat the nutritional practices of their children as they are prone to be more 'problematic' than other children.

Many children with autism or autism spectrum disorder have gastrointestinal problems such as acid reflux, problematic nutrient absorption, diarrhea, vomiting, etc.
These problems give rise to behavioral issues, including sleep disturbance, irritability, or self-injury. As behavioral symptoms are recognizable signs, the underlying gut problem often goes undiagnosed. 

Does treating gut disorder improve autism symptoms?

Parents often treat gut problems such as abdominal pain and blotting with medications and probiotic supplements. Although it may help in easing the
inflammation levels for a short period of time, they do not provide a permanent effect on the child’s behavior. Treating the microbial imbalance of the
gut by generally improving the quality of the child’s diet through a perfectly chalked-out diet plan for autism, is the best way to treat the gut issue.

Elimination 

Elimination of gluten and casein products from an autism diet plan eases gut irritations. Experienced dieticians or nutritionists ask parents to follow a
strict elimination diet containing gluten found in wheat, barley, and rye. Casein found in milk and milk products are also removed from food consumption.
Children with autism exhibit allergy or a high level of sensitivity to foodstuffs containing gluten and casein. According to the dieticians, people with autism process peptides and proteins (differently than other people)
when they consume food having gluten and casein. Gluten and casein when completely eliminated present improved behavior, better sleep, less hyperactivity in children with autism within a few months.

Discussion with a dietician

It is highly advisable to discuss an autism diet plan with doctors who are familiar with ‘gluten and casein-free’ diet. These dieticians understand the
restrictions involved with a child’s health/neurological conditions and nutritive needs. A licensed and experienced dietician educates the parents and
caregivers about the GFCF diet and tailors a diet to suit the child's needs and taste preferences. So, work with a registered dietician or nutritionist
before making changes in the diet plan.

Autism Connect provide the below given helpful link to connect parents with a known dietician in their vicinity: https://www.autismconnect.com/nutritionists-dieticians

Thus, the idea behind the use of gluten and casein-free diet for autism is to reduce symptoms and develop speech, social and cognitive skill