How can you help an autistic child learn to communicate?

Question

My neighbour's daughter is severely autistic. She is six years old and does not talk at all. She is going to special classes at school that are designed for children with disabilities such as autism, and after 2 years she is still not communicating. I really don't know how well she's doing in school otherwise, but she doesn't even make eye contact.

I'm curious though, what is the best way to help an autistic child communicate? I don't think her parents are really trying to help her!

Answer 1

Some autistic children do not and will not communicate...this is rare but it does happen.

However other methods:

1) Makaton-its a form of signing esp for children. It's simple gestures that are accompanied by speech (by the adult).

2) PEC's---a symbol system implemented by professionals (because there are differnet system for different needs). Children pass adults the symbol to communicate their needs: eg: child was a drink so they will give adult the symbol of a drink...as they get older and understand more it can be used to make sentences....eg: picture representing "I want" and then symbol for 'juice', 'milk' or whatever they want...may even include 'please' at the end. This sentence strop is then passed to adult who reads it outloud and reponds eg-gives them the drink.

3) some children communicate through art-pictures, drawings, writing, paintings, music etc....its a bit harder to understand sometimes but is still communication. Often you need to look at the shapes, colours or whats NOT on the picture to understand it.

No eye contact is very common in autistic children-its part of the social exclusion they can sometimes have difficulty with.

If she is in a special class with professionals then I'm sure they are aware of the childs difficulties and abilities. The problem with communication is that if her parents arent really trying then no matter whatsystem you try to implement is going to really help....the system needs to be part of the everyday routine and consistent else it will cause upset!

Answer 2

One way that is often used is the PECS systems.  Which stands for Picture Exchange communication system.

Answer 3

I work with low functioning teenagers with autism. Some of the ways we use are PECS. It is a picture that represents things. An example is we set up a schedule a picture of a table for breakfast, a desk, (to go to desk), clean up, a lunch pail for lunch. They each have a book of these, so they can tell you what they want like cookie, bathroom etc.

Also we use sign language like ASL. We watch a PBS series called signing time, It has music and simple sings for every day things. We call them survival signs.

You daughter wants to communicate. She just dose not know how. I just read a book that may help you understand what she is saying. It's called "Ten things that every child with autism wants you to know". It help me understand the students I work with better.

As for how she is doing in class, get a note book and ask the teacher to let you know how she is doing. Most teachers are happy to let you know how her behavior in class is. You can also write to the teacher about your concerns. We do this for many of our students.

I hope this helps

Answer 4

My son isn't autistic but he has communication problems and he is trying to learn Sign Language my cousin who is autistic knows sign language.