Autism, a condition that can significantly impact a child’s development, presents challenges in communication. Here are some strategies to help facilitate easier communication for children with autism.
Communication serves as the foundation for expressing emotions and navigating life effectively. It provides a means to convey one’s thoughts and feelings, shaping one’s perception of the world. Autism, a genetic disorder affecting thousands of children worldwide annually, often presents challenges in verbal communication. Many autistic children struggle to articulate themselves effectively, impacting their ability to interact with peers. However, there are specialized methods aimed at teaching and enhancing communication skills in these children. Here are five strategies that can be implemented to improve the verbal communication of autistic children.
Five-Step Communication Program for Children with Autism
This program, designed to empower autistic children to communicate and convey powerful visual messages, is custom-tailored to enhance our comprehension effectively. We interviewed Dr. Tanu Chowdhury, Clinical Psychologist at Healthcare Clinic in Lucknow, to learn about strategies for facilitating communication for autistic children. Dr. Chowdhury emphasized that the performance levels and attention to detail may vary among children due to the diverse spectrum of autism symptoms, and the effects may persist longer in some individuals.
1. Visual Attention and Memory Training
Visual attention and memory are crucial for children to comprehend and interact with the world around them. The brain’s cognitive architecture comprises four pillars: visual attention, visual memory, auditory attention, and auditory memory, which facilitate connections with sensory organs. Given children’s sensitivity, training should commence with fundamental visual exercises to enhance their ability to visualize and retain visual stimuli. Strengthening visual skills accelerates children’s development, fostering robust visual thinking abilities essential for their growth.
2. Auditory Attention and Memory Training
Similar to visual attention and memory, auditory attention and memory play pivotal roles in acquiring language skills and verbal communication. Effective neural functioning is key to developing auditory attention and memory skills. Enhancing these skills aids in the development of a robust verbal communication system in autistic children. Memory training exercises are instrumental in cultivating auditory attention and memory, facilitating language acquisition and verbal communication proficiency.
3. Anchoring and Developing Input Processes
This phase emphasizes gaining control over language and communication skills. Autistic children often encounter challenges in regulating their speech. Establishing a structured routine enables them to harness acquired skills effectively. Through consistent practice and reinforcement of communication strategies acquired during earlier training stages, children develop the ability to control their language and communicate more effectively.
Next, exercises are introduced to engage auditory and verbal skills, facilitating the transition to the subsequent step of learning how to read and listen attentively. As children progress, it becomes essential to reinforce actions and integrate visual thinking, memory, and auditory skills comprehensively. This holistic approach strengthens their ability to navigate and comprehend various sensory stimuli, promoting overall communication and cognitive development.
4. Developing Output Skills
This pivotal stage focuses on empowering autistic children to effectively communicate and articulate their thoughts, incorporating the input and training they have received. Emphasis is placed on refining both verbal and written expression, fostering proficiency in speech and writing without errors. Implementation of grading systems and marking criteria can further incentivize and guide children towards improvement and skill acquisition.
5. Transference
Transferring acquired skills and fostering self-esteem marks the final phase of communication development, enabling autistic children to communicate confidently and seamlessly like their peers. This stage necessitates continued practice and reinforcement of previous methods and steps. Providing clear instructions and regular feedback sessions are essential for instilling confidence and facilitating progress. Utilizing tools such as Skype for remote training sessions with professionals or peers can enhance accessibility to resources and support. Additionally, accessing training materials from online libraries and adhering to structured formats aids in comprehensive skill development.