Language / Communication Characteristics Differing Levels Communication & The Family Communication & The School References Discussion

        The parent may grieve and say, "My child can't talk." However, lack of speech isn't the youngster's core problem, it's just the obvious indication of a system-wide communication disorder. You need to observe a child very carefully to determine why he doesn't speak, or what he means if he finally begins to talk. (Hart, 1993)

A child's limited use of speech might not be caused by his/her inability to produce words. It may, in fact, be due to problems with hearing that would make it difficult to recognize and reproduce certain sounds. Another issue could be with receptive language or the ability of the child to understand what he/she actually hears. However, some children's difficulties can be attributed to problems with expressive language. They may be capable of understanding speech and writing, but not possess the fine motor skills necessary to speak.

Regardless of the cause, parents of children with autism can utilize certain techniques to help improve their child's communication skills. Hart (1993) discusses an environmental approach to communication training. The steps necessary to make this approach successful are as follows:

A. Create a need to communicate

Being so close to a child, we may be able to predict what the child wants or needs. When we stop doing things for the child, we give the child a reason to start communicating. This motivates the child to interact with others.

B. Do not make the challenge too difficult

Accept communication in whatever form the child shows competence in. Trying to make them perform above the ability will cause the child to give up.

C. Reward the child for making a reasonable effort to communicate

It is important that the child find success through communication whether the form is motoral, gestural, verbal, or otherwise.

D. Create choice-making opportunities

Try not to anticipate what the child's choice will be. Instead, give the child a reason to communicate and make her show or tell you what she wants.

E. Look at the child's progress periodically and set new goals

Goals should encourage more frequent use of present skills or learning new forms of communication.

F. Make sure the child finds his communication efforts successful

The child must gain confidence in his/her communication skills at home, at school, and in the real world. It is important that the child's efforts to communicate are recognized and rewarded.