As we’re sure you’re aware, the reason why we call autism a spectrum disorder is that there’s a considerable range in the degree of severity. A good example of this is communication — some kids with autism are fully verbal, while others are fully non-verbal, and kids can fall anywhere in between.
In the United States, 1 in 31 kids has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and more than one-quarter of these kids have what’s called profound autism. One of the distinct ways in which we classify autism as profound is a lack of speech — kids with profound autism are largely non-verbal or minimally verbal.
Improving communication is at the heart of what we do here at Celebrations Speech Group, and our team has extensive experience with kids with autism. One of the most effective therapies we’ve found to help kids with autism be heard is through applied behavioral analysis (ABA), which we dive into here.
The origins of ABA began in the 1960s with O. Ivar Lovaas, who developed ABA to improve language and communication skills and reduce disruptive and challenging behaviors among children with autism.
The theory behind ABA is to start early and intensively during a child’s critical developmental phase to facilitate future integration into the world around them.
There have been controversies surrounding ABA, especially in earlier days, when negative reinforcement and conformity were part of the picture.
Modern ABA, however, is far more positive and effective at helping kids grow their communication skills.
There’s a reason why the word celebration is part of our name — advancements come in all sizes and packages, and we celebrate each and every one of them.
We bring this positive approach to our ABA, especially for kids with autism who struggle to communicate traditionally. Instead of referring to a child’s inability to communicate verbally as a handicap, we take a more productive approach and find creative ways for kids to have a voice.
So, for kids who are neurodivergent and who may not have functional language, through ABA we turn to:
Just as people who are hearing-impaired can communicate effectively with their hands and facial expressions, kids with autism can also use their hands to create signs to express themselves.
With this approach, we teach kids to communicate through pictures. While this may seem simple, it’s a gradual therapy in which kids learn to use picture cards to express increasingly complex and specific thoughts and desires.
For example, at first, a child may simply point at a card of an apple to say, “That’s what I want.” Over time, we teach the child to initiate communication by finding the card of an apple and then placing it among other cards for a more complete visual sentence. So, instead of just responding, they feel empowered to start a “Conversation.”
The sign language and picture use we outlined above are part of the overall category of alternative and augmentative communication systems.
While signs and pictures are low-tech options, we also use tablets and electronics to further help kids communicate. For example, we can teach kids how to use technology to talk for them.
As you can see, through ABA, our focus is on improving communication, however that looks, so that your child feels seen, heard, and understood in a world that may not understand them.
To explore how we can improve communication in your child, please contact one of our offices in Brentwood, Stockton, or Elk Grove, California, to schedule an appointment.
