How do I better understand an Autistic child when she speaks?

Question

there is a child who comes to our preschool/daycare who is Autistic. She is a happy girl who loves to play with the other kids and they enjoy her as well. The problem is, she's not coming as frequently as she used to and I'm having a hard time understanding her when she talks to me. She sometimes has to repeat herself 3 or 4 times (with hand getures) before I understand what she's asking me. I feel terrible because when she was coming everyday I had no problems and she doesn't understand why I'm having trouble now, when I didn't before. Any advice?

Answer 1

You also should ask the parents if the child is involved with early education through the public school system.  If she isn't, the school system should be contacted as they can offer her assistance with speech therapy and other autism supports.  If she is, the school system may be able to help with some augmentative communication devices (more than likely a picture communication system).  

It's wonderful that you are willing to find some things to help this child.  A lot of children really get frustrated when trying to communciate and if you can nip this in the bud before that happens, it would be so much better for the little girl.

Answer 2

Try using a PECS system. That is a series of pictures to represent things.  They could be stick fugues or photographs. Have a set routine. I use little laminated squares with Velcro on the back. Arrange them on a strip. A possible routine could be table, desk, matt, art, playtime, etc.  Then when you say check the schedule she will go to deck or playtime what ever is next in the routine.  You could have the whole class do this so they do not feel left out.

She could also have a small book that have pictures of things she may want. You do the same, use pictures to represent something, like restroom, cookie, etc.. Then on front have the words "I want" then she can place the picture of what she wants. This will take time but it may be worth it.  Go to these web sites to learn more. www.DiffLearn.com & www.pecs.com

You also may want to look into ASL There is this great pbs serise called Signing Time. It is basic sing language that is great for pree school age. I have use it in the classroom and it is fun and the whole class can learn ASL. The show is about 20 minutes or so. In the classroom I work in we call it survival signs.

Good luck

Answer 3

Not knowing how old she is makes my answer more general, but it may be that she is just trying more complex speech/language (unsuccessfully)  As a speech therapist myself, I understand the guilt of not being able to understand a child, but do the best you can, and when you are able to figure something out, be sure to restate it simply, so maybe she'll know how to say it better next time.  

I always apologized to the kids when I couldn't understand them after a few attempts, because I wanted them to know I did want to understand them. You are a great teacher because you do want to know what she is saying - just keep listening!

Answer 4

Here are a few ideas I have shared with parents in my practice.  This list came from www.speech.derby.nhs.uk

·Try to reduce background noise, for example, turn off the television.

· Make natural eye contact and use clear body language with your child.

· Acknowledge what you did understand, for example, “I got the bit about ….. but what came next?”

· Establish the context, for example, “is it something that happened last night / on the playground / about your topic?”, etc.

· Give plenty of time to listen to your child.

· Give positive feedback as appropriate, for example, “That was really clear, well done!”

· Encourage your child to ‘tell’ you another way, for example, by pointing, miming, drawing or using different words.

· Don’t rely too heavily on others ‘interpreting’, as this can lead to mistakes.

· Be honest when you don’t understand, and tell your child what they can do to help you.

Try to give the message that the problem is yours, not theirs, for example, “My ears aren’t working properly today! Can you tell me again louder / slower, etc ….”

· If you understand part of your child’s conversation, repeat it back. This shows them that they were partly successful and gives them confidence.

· If your child is really difficult to understand, use strategies to anticipate what they might want to say, for example, using a home-school diary or clue bags (bags containing

relevant objects e.g. postcards, tickets etc). Ask the child to show you what they are trying to say by using gesture / taking you to the object.

· Sometimes you may have to admit that you really cannot understand. Be as reassuring as possible. Change the subject and focus on something positive.

I would also suggest talking to the child's parents about your concerns and see if you can get written permission to contact the child's speech-langauge pathologist for assistance.  I used to see my clients at their day care and work with staff regarding speech and language development.