Individuals with Autism generally have difficulties in communication with others and this greatly frustrates them. In order to abate these frustrations, specialists have developed ways in which Autism Communication can be made possible.
Non-Verbal Autism Communication
This is an alternative method in which persons with autism can communicate even without using language as the means of communication. Consequently, Non-verbal Autism Communication skills are not inherent and therefore, they have to be taught properly in order for proper communication to proceed.
Autism Communication - Non-Verbal And Verbal Methods
- Illustrations
People with Autism can learn how to express themselves by drawing pictures. This is also a good way of developing focus and coordination.
- Gestures
The use of one’s eyes and hands is an effective way of communicating. A child with autism may point to where he wants to go. He can touch what he wants to eat or play with.
- Sign Language
This is for a more reliable way of communication. It could eventually lead to verbal communication.
Verbal Autism Communication
- Vocalization
Individuals with autism may express themselves using syllables like “ah.” Moreover, to show emotions they make sounds similar to that of crying. When frustrated or angry, they may shriek.
- Fragmented Sentences
People with Autism use phrases like “want ball” or saying repeatedly what he wants to do like “sleep, sleep, sleep.”
Breakthroughs in Autism Communication
- Intensive Interaction
This method introduced by Phoebe Caldwell has been getting impressive feedback. It helps improve one’s communicating and developing emotional engagement with children with autism. The method suggests using a simple technique incorporating a child’s own body language and sounds to create a ‘language’ they can recognize and ‘converse’ with.
- Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
The system goes on to teach discrimination of symbols and use it to construct simple “sentences.” It consists of six phases: the physical exchange, expanding spontaneity, picture discrimination, sentence structure, responding to “What do you want?” and responsive and spontaneous commenting. This PECS has been designed after lot of thought and deliberation by 2 expert professionals: Dr. Andrew Bondy and Lori Frost.
- Music Therapy
Involved in both verbal and non-verbal Autism communication, the therapy improves vocalization, speech, comprehension, conceptualizing, and symbolizing. Sounds are used instead of verbal words to communicate. Playing a wind instrument also improves the coordination of teeth, jaws, lips, and tongue and understanding their functions which may help in producing vocalization and speech among persons with autism.
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