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communication strategies

Building Communication Skills in Kids with Autism

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Tools and Techniques for Improved Communication

Communication tools and techniques can significantly support individuals with autism in improving their social interactions, self-expression, and overall well-being. People on the autism spectrum often face various communication barriers, from delayed speech to trouble interpreting social cues. Early intervention plays a vital role in developing communication and social skills, which can help speech abilities and tackle developmental delays. 

communication skills

Communication methods 

Visual aids, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS), and speech-generating devices (SGDs) are great resources for helping communication abilities in people with autism. A speech therapist or pathologist can evaluate a person’s language capabilities and help create an intervention plan, recommending effective methods to help their communication skills. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based treatment that uses reinforcement techniques to help social, communication, and learning skills.

Visual supports 

Several tools may be used as visual supports for kids with autism–tools like symbols, pictures, and physical items. These visuals assist in learning language, understanding information, and self-expression. Using communication books or boards filled with images and words allows individuals to understand the meanings of words and express their needs by pointing to the relevant pictures. 

Application of visual supports

Visual aids can help create daily or weekly schedules by visually dividing time into blocks, outlining the steps of tasks such as a bedtime routine, or showing different units of time. These visuals can enhance communication for those who may not speak as much, allow learners to express their feelings, and facilitate social interactions. Additionally, they can be effective at easing transitions between activities. 

Functional Communication Training (FCT) 

Functional Communication Training, or FCT, is a technique designed to help people develop their communication skills through the use of words, signs, or images to express their wants and needs. This approach can also minimize disruptive behaviors by providing simpler ways for individuals to communicate their needs. A therapist will find something that excites the child and then teach them a sign or picture representing that thing. 

Extra Techniques and Approaches 

When it comes to communication for individuals on the autism spectrum, there are some helpful strategies to consider. These include promoting play and social interactions, emphasizing nonverbal cues, and using more direct language. Caregivers should allow children the time to express themselves and engage with their interests to build relevant vocabulary. Establishing routines and schedules can create both independence and communication skills. Being straightforward and clear in your language is key. 

 

References

7 Autism Behavior and Communication Strategies | NU. (2021). https://www.nu.edu/blog/7-autism-behavior-and-communication-strategies/

Stephanie Alvarez, RBT, is in the BCBA Apprentice Program at BrightPath Behavior and works at the clinic in Katy, TX. Upon her initial introduction to the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA), she confessed she had little understanding of the subject. However, with the guidance of an exceptional mentor, Stephanie quickly became acquainted with the principles of ABA. This experience ignited a passion in her, mainly because she recognized the profound impact that being an ABA therapist can have on clients.

visual schedule autism

Navigating Daily Routines with Autism

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Individuals with autism often engage in some form of repetition during their day or exhibit rigidity in their routines (such as stimming, lining up toys, repeatedly turning lights on and off, etc.), so it makes sense that a routine would be beneficial. 

If you think about everyday living, we all have some daily routine: wake up, go to work or school, come home, eat dinner, and sleep. Like neurotypical individuals, autistic people thrive on routine, schedules, and consistency. We all rely on knowing what our day will look like to an extent, and we get a sense of comfort knowing that it won’t change much. 

visual schedule for kids with autism

Finding a routine that works for your child with autism

Here are some tips and tricks for creating a unique schedule for your child: 

  • Write out the specific activities that make up your family’s day (work, school, therapy)
  • Make a fun reminder for your child, such as a calendar or visual schedule, to aid in providing a visual reminder and help to identify each task (“on Mondays we go to school, therapy, grocery store (list store), then home”)

Even in the home, having a routine to help your child move through specific tasks and activities is helpful. Visual reminders can still be provided within the home to reference when it’s time to move on to the next task. 

You can create daily routines for your child with autism for any number of tasks, including:

  • Waking up
  • Mealtimes
  • Bathtime
  • Bedtime 

A morning routine example may look something like this: 

  • Wake up your child with a fun morning song
  • Remind your child it’s a school day and what activities are planned
  • Get dressed in clothes that were laid out the night before 
  • Sit at the kitchen table and eat breakfast
  • Brush teeth and hair
  • Put on shoes and get your backpack
  • Look over the daily calendar and discuss the various activities occurring during the day

Navigating changes in routines with autism

Change isn’t easy for anyone, and while none of us enjoy change, it may be harder to grasp when you rely on those set schedules and preplanned activities. Talk about any change happening in the day with your child; communication is vital. If you have advanced notice of schedule changes, such as a doctor’s appointment or family trip, plan the specific days with the new activities in place. “Not all changes are equal, and not all ASD patients react the same way.” (AppliedBehaviorAnalysisEdu), so ensure you’re prepared to assist your child in working through their emotions in an empathic and supportive manner.

ABA can be a helpful tool when setting a person with ASD up for success when changes occur. If significant changes to the routine are coming, discuss those with a BCBA and collaborate to find ways to help them navigate and accept those changes to ease any challenging behaviors that could arise.

Reaching out to a primary care physician about obtaining ABA services for a person with autism is another way to improve undesirable behaviors that may result from routine changes. As previously said, a common trait of autism is rigidity and repetitive behaviors; ABA therapy can use a play-based teaching method to teach and help children understand a routine and that routines change within a clinical setting. Examples of using ABA to teach tolerance to changes in routines include following a schedule to transition to different rooms within the clinic setting with different schedules occurring on different days. An example of this may look like:

  • Monday’s schedule: Sensory gym, breakfast, bathroom, group game, gross motor play
  • Tuesday’s schedule: Breakfast, group game, bathroom, gross motor play, sensory gym 

Within the clinic setting, there are many activities to engage in, with other children around who might play with items differently than what is preferred by your child. Exposure to other children and differences in their environment provides the ABA therapist opportunities to teach strategies to help with rigidity and to tolerate when someone is doing something differently than how they would play. For example, working with the child to allow a difference in play for short durations of time and increasing the duration of different play as they’re able to tolerate it or teaching the child that variations in play can be fun by making silly sounds or incorporating play the child enjoys (such as tickles or singing). 

A variety of strategies can be implemented during ABA therapy to aid in both teaching your child daily routines as well as how to tolerate changes to their routine.

What questions and comments do you have about your autistic child’s daily routine, and what has helped them deal with schedule changes?

We’d love to hear from you in the comments below. If you found this post helpful, please like, share, and follow us for more insightful content on autism and ABA therapy.

If a positive, play-based approach to ABA appeals to you, we invite you to reach out to BrightPath Behavior. The friendly team at BrightPath is always ready to help answer your questions.

 

References 

 

Applied Behavior Analysis Edu – https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisedu.org/why-is-routine-so-important-to-people-with-asd/

Autism Specialty Group – https://www.autismspecialtygroup.com/blog/importance-of-consistency-in-autism

Applied Behavior Analysis as Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder – https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Wayne-Fisher/publication/285517351_Applied_behavior_analysis/links/5ddc2e4c458515dc2f4db9e1/Applied-behavior-analysis.pdf

 

Tatum Kaiser always knew she wanted to work with kids. However, it wasn’t until her daughter began showing early signs of autism that she developed an interest in ABA. The experience of working closely with children with autism, coupled with the support and positivity from supervisors and coworkers, solidified her passion for the field. She finds joy in practicing play-based teaching and positive reinforcement strategies, which benefit her clients and kids. 

Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis at Capella University, Tatum balances her studies with motherhood. She uses her real-life experience to enhance her academic assignments and practical applications in the clinic. Her involvement with her daughter’s autism journey has provided her with unique insights that she shares with other parents, helping them navigate behavioral challenges with empathy and compassion.