Autism

At Now We're Talking Speech Pathology I provide services to children of all ages who have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Typically children with ASD can have difficulties with communication skills, social skills and repetitive and restrictive behaviours. I focus on all areas of interaction and communication development to encourage appropriate development and acquisition of these skills.

Along with traditional approaches to intervention I use an Applied Behaviour Approach. This is generally acknowledged as the most effective treatment approach in working with children with ASD. I focus on developing communication skills, social interactions and reducing repetitive/restrictive behaviours. In addition to this I am Hanen Trained and I have had experience working with Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and Makaton key word signing.

Areas targeted may include:

Communication skills

• Delayed language development
• Delayed vocal development
• Using language appropriately
• Learning to request and comment appropriately
• Decreasing frustration behaviours
• Reducing echolalia (repetition of words and phrases)

Social Skills

• Understanding use of non-verbal communication skills including eye contact
• Understanding appropriate behaviours and responses in social communication
• Understanding and expressing emotion
• Play skills and interacting

Repetitive Behaviours

• Increasing flexibility in routines
• Reducing repetitive vocalisations
• Reducing repetitive play sequences