Language Development in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

When a baby is born, the parents or caregivers of that infant are filled with joy. The infant seems to provide much sunshine, happiness to the families' life. With each day, the bond between the infant and their family grows; as the infant grows in terms of development. As early as infancy, caregivers are able to see distinct improvements in the child's language and communication skills. An infant may begin to babble or say their first words, such as momma or dadda; or the infant may begin to engage in imaginative or constructive play. So as a parent or caregiver to an infant showing progress in regard to language development we are happy, right? Yes, of course! But, what if you were the parent or caregiver to an infant not exhibiting language or communication skills; as evidence of language development? What would this mean for the infant?

Let's say the child falls in the age range from infancy to pre-school. The child is lacking proficiency in both, verbal and non-verbal communication skills. The child may be exhibiting trouble with speech or grammar (verbal), as well as exhibiting difficulty with expressing feelings through crying, smiling or laughing. After much examination, testing and evaluation it may be evident that the child's lack of language development is a direct result of Autism Spectrum Disorder. But, what does this really mean for the infant or young child?

According to the article The Effective Teacher's Guide to Autism and Communication Difficulties: Practical Strategies author Michael Farrell explains that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Autism may explain a child's lack of effective language skills. It is likely that a child with Autism would have difficulties with communication and interaction, on a daily basis. The child may fall under two extremes: being mute or lacking the ability to use spoken language, or being able to speak, but repeating words over and over, again. What do you do as a caregiver to an individual who is unable to use spoken language? It's simply, actually! According to the Autism Speaks blog the“7 Ways to Help Your Nonverbal Child Speak” includes: encourage play and social interaction, imitate your child, focus on nonverbal communication, leave “space” for your child to talk, simplify your language, follow your child's interest, and consider assistive devices and visual support (Geri Dawson & Lauren Elder 2016).

I have also found, as a caregiver to a child with Autism (my younger cousin, Danny), that in order to enhance a non-verbal child's language skills you should incorporate the use of manipulatives and technology. My younger cousin Danny has Autism and was not able to use verbal means of language or communication for much of his young childhood. With the assistance of help in school and at home- using resources such as flash-cards, speech classes, computer-games/applications and etc.; Danny became verbal. These enhancements to language development to an Autistic child assists them in the long-run, for the rest of their life. So what implication does Autism have on a young child's language-many; does this mean we are not able to boost their language development/language skills. NO!