Does it work?

definition of speech therapy: Type of therapy that focuses on improving vocal communication and speech.
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Does it work?

Many scientific studies demonstrate that speech therapy is able to improve the communication skills of children with autism (1). Parents reported improvements in social play, confidence, and behavior at home and at school with speech therapy (9). The most successful approaches to speech therapy include components of early identification, family involvement, and individualized treatment (8).

There are many different approaches to speech therapy and most of them are effective. The table below lists some of the different approaches. In most cases a speech therapist will use a combination of approaches in a program.

Type of Speech Therapy Definition
 Does the Research Support It?

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)

broad term for forms of communication that supplement or enhance speech, including electronic devices, picture boards, and sign language

 Yes (10)

Discrete trial training

therapy that focuses on behavior and actions

 Yes (1)
Facilitated communication

communication technique that involves a facilitator who places his hand over the patient's hand, arm or wrist, which is placed on a board or keyboard with letters, words or pictures

 No (1, 4)

Functional communication training (FCT)

 use of positive reinforcement to motivate the child to communicate
 Yes (11)

Generalized imitation

 

child is encouraged to mimic the therapists mouth motions before attempting to make the sound

 Yes (12)

Mand training

 

use of prompts and reinforcements of independent requests for items (referred to as mands)

 Yes (12)

Motivational techniques

 therapy techniques that focus on following the child's lead and capitalize on the child's desire to respond
 Yes (6)

Peer mentors/circle of friends

 use of children who are trained to interact with the autistic child throughout the day
 Yes (8)

Picture exchange communication system (PECS)

 a type of AAC that uses picture symbols to communicate (see PECS Fact Sheet) Yes (10)

Relationship development intervention (RDI)

 trademarked treatment program that centers on the belief that individuals with autism can participate in authentic emotional relationships if they are exposed to them in a gradual, systematic way
 Yes (8)

Sign language/total communication

 language of hand shapes, movements, and facial expressions (especially useful for ages 0 to 3)
 Yes (1)

Story scripts/social stories

 actual stories that can be used or adapted to teach social skills
 Yes (1, 8)

Table of Contents


Synonyms for speech therapy include: speech and language, speech and language therapy, speech language pathologist, speech language therapy, speech pathologist, speech pathology, speech therapist, speech therapists, speech training
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