* Need Advice on Speech Therapy ! *?

Question

My 8-year old brother is autistic and non-verbal. He gets some speech therapy at school, but I don't think he's getting enough. We are considering additional speech therapy for him, outside of school. I have found some speech pathologists on the ASHA website. But what should we look for? What questions should we ask? How do you pick one? How much does it usually cost? Any relevant info is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

Your brother needs to be in an intensive speech program. Check if there is a school in your district that has an autistic program. How much speech is your brother receiving per week? I went to a wonderful conference on autism and learned so much. I would be glad to share any info with you. Many children with autism suffer from seizures. Does your brother suffer from seizures? Also have you had him checked for allergies? Many children with autism suffer from allergies and are helped when there diet is changed. Look up what your brothers rights are and you may want to get a child advicate to go with you to your brother's next IEP meeting so that you can ask for more services. Does your brother have medical insurance through your parents? My email is [e-mail]

Answer 2

Look for someone that specializes in working with children with autism.  Ask them have they ever worked with children who were nonverbal when they came to them and are now speaking and communicating?  COMMUNICATING is the key word, not just parroting back what someone says to them.  Ask if you can talk to parents/families that have been patients/clients of theirs.  Good Luck!

Answer 3

You have to remember that each child with autism is not like the next child with it.

one thing that could help is see if there is a local chapter of Autism where you live. Go do a google search or whatever type in your city or a major city close to you and Autism. And see what you can find.

That will help you to give you the resources that you need and to other answer your questions.

If you don't think the school is giving him enough speech therapy your parents can talk to the school and request more, or have an IEP meeting where that is discussed.

Answer 4

The ASHA website will direct you to speech pathologists who specialize in autism spectrum disorders, just as I was able to designate that I specialized in adult neurogenic, swallowing, craniofacial, and head/neck disorders.

Universities with a speech pathology program have low-cost clinics where masters candidates will work with ASD kids. They are under direct supervision of a professor who specializes in the same, or has specialized knowledge.

You can also request a new IEP at any time and demand a special day class placement as well as more speech therapy. If the district can't provide appropriate intervention, they must pay for it to be provided elsewhere.

School speech pathologists welcome the fact kids are getting outside help; just be sure they are working in tandem or have similar goals, or complimentary ones, at the very least.