Language and speech therapy in autism should be initiated at an early stage

Stating that every child with autism spectrum disorder has different language and speech problems, Istanbul Atlas University Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Language and Speech Therapy Research Assistant Şevval Ocaktan said that it is important for the pediatrician/child psychiatrist and language and speech therapy to be involved in the early period in children with autism. Noting that autism is a spectrum and that each child's profile is different, Ocaktan said, "With early, regular, individual-specific and structured intervention, significant progress can be achieved in communication, language, social interaction, play and daily life skills."

Different speech problems can be seen in autism

Stating that each child has different language and speech problems in autism spectrum disorder, Şevval Ocaktan said, “Not every child shows the same profile in autism spectrum disorder; however, the most common difficulties include delayed or non-developing speech, difficulty initiating and maintaining communication, limitation in non-verbal communication methods such as eye contact, gestures, facial expressions and pointing, echolalia (repeating what you hear), "Some children may seem to know a lot of words, but they may have difficulty using the language for social purposes, in appropriate contexts and in mutual interaction. Some may also need to work on speech intelligibility and pronunciation," he said. Ocaktan said, "There is no single answer to the question of whether the language and speech disorders that occur in autism can be completely corrected, because autism is a spectrum and each child's profile is different. However, with early, regular, individual-specific and structured intervention, significant progress can be achieved in communication, language, social interaction, play and daily life skills. In some children, verbal language develops significantly; in some children, the goal may be to increase functional communication with gestures, signs, visual supports or alternative-supportive communication systems, in addition to or instead of verbal speech. The main aim is to increase functional communication with gestures, signs, visual supports or alternative-supportive communication systems, in addition to or instead of verbal speech. "It is not to mold them, but to increase their communication, self-expression and participation in life," he said.

One should not wait for intervention

Şevval Ocaktan, emphasizing that language and speech disorders in children with autism should be intervened as soon as possible, said that it is important for the pediatrician/child psychiatrist and SLP to intervene together in the early period.

Research Assistant Şevval Ocaktan continued as follows: He stated:

"There should be no waiting for referral to a SLP and intervention. Evaluation should be started as soon as there is suspicion. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends autism screening at the 18th and 24th month check-ups for all children; however, if the family notices not looking by name at an earlier period, very limited eye contact, lack of pointing-demonstrating behavior, lack of babbling, lack of development of joint attention, or regression in acquired skills, they should apply earlier. A speech and language therapist should consult a therapist for communication, language, play and It evaluates interaction skills; the diagnosis of autism is made by the physician. In other words, the ideal approach is for the pediatrician/child psychiatrist and SLP to intervene together in the early period.”

Treatment is planned according to the needs of the child

Şevval Ocaktan said that the treatment of language and speech disorders in children with autism does not consist of a single method and said, “The treatment of language and speech disorders of children with autism is planned according to the needs of the child."The most commonly used approaches include speech and language therapy, behavioral approaches, developmental approaches, play-based social communication studies, interventions with parent participation, ABA-based applications, TEACCH and Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) in the young age group," he said. and if necessary, pronunciation/speech intelligibility is studied. Ocaktan said, “If verbal speech is not sufficient, alternative communication methods such as picture cards, visual systems, signs or electronic devices can be used. Medication does not correct the core language-communication difficulties of autism; "It is mostly evaluated by the physician in case of accompanying hyperactivity, irritability, anxiety, sleep or behavioral problems," he said.

The child's look and gestures should also be carefully observed

Noting that families have important responsibilities in monitoring the language and speech development of children with autism, Şevval Ocaktan said, "The most important point for families is not to evaluate the child's communication only through 'speech'. The child's look, gesture, pointing, bringing an object to you, making a sound or taking you to something is also communication. All these should be observed together,” he said.

Short, clear and understandable sentences should be used

Şevval Ocaktan also touched upon the things that should be taken into consideration when communicating with the child and said, “Short, clear and understandable sentences should be used when communicating; The child should be given a waiting period to respond; face-to-face interaction, joint attention, and turn-taking should be encouraged. Games, books, songs, routines and visual supports are very valuable in daily life. It is important to take advantage of the child's interests, notice and reinforce his achievements, and observe situations that create sensory overload. Establishing a consistent collaboration between family, school and specialist team increases the effect of the treatment. Most importantly, families should not blame themselves; "The current scientific approach does not explain autism with the attitude of parents," he said.

Support is given to children with autism at Atlas University DKT Laboratory

Providing information about the studies carried out in the field of autism spectrum disorder at Istanbul Atlas University Language and Speech Therapy Laboratory, Şevval Ocaktan gave the following information: Therapy and counseling services are offered. Studies are carried out at the center with an evidence-based, individual-specific, family-centered and multidisciplinary approach.

Autism spectrum disorder is also among the areas served; Practices are carried out to support verbal and non-verbal communication in these children, to develop the skills of initiating and maintaining communication, to increase mutual interaction, to play-based communication studies and to support speech intelligibility when necessary.

Students have the opportunity to practice

In addition, family counseling is provided at the center, home programs are organized, cooperation is made with different fields of expertise when necessary, and therapy processes are monitored and reported within an academic framework. In addition, individual and group therapy practices, observation, evaluation, reporting and professional skill development activities are carried out for students in the university's clinical and laboratory environments.”