Research: Interventions to Facilitate Communication in Autism

Authored by Koegel, LK in J Autism Dev Disord., Volume 30, Issue , p. 383-391, (2000).

Article summary (posted Sep 25, 2006):

This paper describes the importance of parental involvement in the implementation of speech therapy. The author describes communication needs of children with autism and explains ways to improve speech therapy so that these needs can be met by the parents or caregivers.

She believes that early communication skills form a lifelong foundation for social and personal relationships, behavior, and learning. She suggests that when motivational techniques are incorporated into speech therapy, and the therapy is implemented early (before the age of 5), 85-90% of children with autism may be able to use verbal communication as a primary mode of communication. She also emphasizes the importance of following the child'??s lead and providing many opportunities for expressive language throughout the day. Day-long communication implies that parents must be heavily involved in the speech therapy process.

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autism, caregivers, communication, expressive language, family, language, lead, parent, relationship, speech therapy, therapy, verbal
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