Helpful Information
Have you thought about speech therapy?…
“My child is two and hasn’t said their first word yet.”
“I have an amazing memory, but using my speech to advocate for myself is hard.”
“Our child has to point to let us know what they want, they haven’t learned how to use their words yet.”
“My child says, “ready, set, DOUGH.””
“We weren’t able to get services through the schools, but feel like our student would benefit from private speech.”
“Thinking of the right word and putting sentences together takes a lot of thought.”
If any of these statements reasonate with you, i recommend a full evaluation!
“I am a late-diagnosed Autistic adult.”
Speech therapy goals for young adults may target:
Self-advocacy skills
Safety
Ongoing articulation and language needs secondary to other diagnoses (Down Syndrome, genetic conditions, Intellectual Disability)
Additional resources
Speech-Language Milestones
Here are a few charts that discuss examples of speech-language milestones as children grow:
American Speech-Language Hearing Association (English and en Español)
Identify The Signs of Communication Disorders (English and en Español)
Autism affirming resources
I encourage you to be careful as you explore information about autism. There are many resources and organizations that believe autism is something to be treated or cured. Under the social model of disability, autism (neurodiversity) is a completely natural, amazing difference in the way one’s brain is wired.
From Harvard: What is neurodiversity?
Autism Self Advocacy Network: What is Autism?
Autism Level Up!: Information, advocacy, and tools for promote sensory regulation and communication
Embrace Autism: Strengths and Challenges of autism
Lived Experience Educator: Resources about neurodiversity affirming practices
Learn Play Thrive Podcast: Two Sides of the Spectrum
Reframing Autism: Differences in Children and Adults
Exploring AAC options
AAC, or augmentative alternative communication, is an option for non-speaking or minimally speaking clients. It is a low-tech or high-tech communication system that requires time and coaching to successfully implement.
An overview from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA): Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Meaningful Speech: AAC and GLP
ASHA: Growing Up with AAC
Assistiveware: Website
Gestalt Language Processing (GLP)
One appropriate and natural way to develop language is through natural language acquisition. This is path to communication is also known as gestalt language processing or echolalia.
Meaningful Speech: How do you know a child is a gestalt language processor?
A comprehensive list of resources and research: List
Helpful resources and research based blogs: Andi Putt (@MrsSpeechieP)
New to GLP checklist: Where Do I Start GLP
bilingual and multilingual resources
Speaking more than one language is a skill I always encourage! If you suspect your child has a speech-language disorder, please continue to use your native language with your child. Research supports that use of multiple languages will not have a negative impact on speech development. It is also an important aspect of one’s cultural identity that I don’t want anyone to miss out on.
More information: here.
Still have questions?
Contact me, and I will be happy to answer your questions!