Teaching Children Verbal Skills?

Question

I work with a child who has Autism. He is 6 years old. When I started working with him the most he could say was "Bob" (for Bob the Builder). He is now becoming more verbal and I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions on how I can help him with his verbal skills during the 4 hours each week that I have him.

Thank you :)

Answer 1

I'd work on his reading skills.  A mom told me she started her kid (autistic) with books very early in life and at 8, her kid is one awesome reader, even though he has the usual problems of autistic kids.

Reading held the key.  I will try to hunt and find that answer and email to you.

Answer 2

I taught a child with Autism for 3 years (2 days a week). He was six by the time he left my class to go to school. It took a long time, but we went from 1 or 2 words, to stringing together basic sentences. We used visual cues (pictures) with him consistently. The main ones were actually for actions, rather than just labelling things. They included 'more' 'yes' 'no' 'wait' 'my turn'. Each one was a different shape and colour. We started with one or two until he was familiar with them, repeating the word everytime we showed him the card. When it came to something he really liked (ie reading a book) he would always want us to keep reading, so we would show him the 'more' card and would encourage him to say it. Gradually we would wait longer and longer before we would continue reading, if he wouldn't say 'more'. Eventually he began to use the word himself to get what we want (it was almost like we created a 'more' monster! lol) Once he had grasped these basics we began to introduce pictures of everyday things in his environment, and symbols of basic actions ie sit, stand, run, cut, glue, build etc and would also have a photo of him. We began putting two pictures together, encouraging him to say "joe build" "bob cutting" etc etc.

It is a very slow process, and one that can't be rushed, but I tell you it was one of the most rewarding moments of my teaching career when he came up to me and said "Kylie cuddle"! The method we used was under guidance from an Austistic organisation called Giant Steps here in Australia. If you would like further ideas, please feel free to email me, as I can go into more detail, rather than just a very basic overview as I have done here.

Good luck! With plenty of patience both the child and you will be rewarded!

Answer 3

I work with many children that have a wide range of autism. When I have one that has limited speech I use simple words and encourage the child to repeat after me. If the child wants to point to get what he/she wants I have him tell me _________ wants this. It works best if you have the child repeat their name.  When they say a word that child should see a positive response right a way.

Answer 4

Simple communication is difficult for an autistic child, but many are finding that music makes a connection. Try singing your questions and other conversation with him. Believe it or not, it seems to make a difference for some children. Also, encourage him to "use his words". That phrase indicates that the words belong to him and that  you know he CAN use them. Reward his efforts with something sensory, like an M & M, for instance. Patience is the key.