How to Teach an Autistic Child to Speak?

With a diagnosis of “autism,” speech delay is an expected symptom of the syndrome. The earlier the diagnosis is made, the sooner work on establishing speech should begin. According to statistics, up to 75% of children with autism can acquire speech to some degree. Only about 25% will not be able to speak. So, what are the reasons why autistic children have difficulty mastering speech?

Reasons Why an Autistic Child May Not Speak

• Delay in mental development: Children with autism often experience developmental delays, and the degree of delay is directly related to the severity of the autism.
• Difficulties with social interaction: Autism affects a child’s ability to interact with others. Social interaction issues can hinder the development of speech skills, as children typically learn to speak by interacting with others.
• Unusual sensory perceptions: Children with autism may have atypical sensory perceptions that prevent them from focusing on speech development. For example, they might be sensitive to sounds that distract or overwhelm them.
• Misunderstanding or interpreting language: A child may struggle to understand how to use language to express their thoughts and emotions, making it harder for them to speak.
• Comorbid disorders: Children with autism may have comorbid conditions such as hearing impairments or motor disorders, which can make speech development more difficult.
• Communication style: Some children with autism may prefer quiet or selective communication, where they speak only with certain people or in specific situations.

Strategies for Working with a Child to Initiate Speech

• Using visual aids: Picture cards, diagrams, and other visual tools can help autistic children understand and remember words. Visual cues often make it easier to link words with their meanings.
• Using a modified approach: Develop an individualized learning plan that takes the child’s unique characteristics into account. Some children may respond better to information through play or repetitive actions.
• Repetition and practical application: Regular repetition and practice in real-life situations can help reinforce new words and phrases. Use everyday situations as opportunities to practice.
• Motivational incentives: Use motivating stimuli, such as favorite toys or games, to encourage the child to use speech. Positive reinforcement can help stimulate the desire to speak.
• Alternative and augmentative communication methods: Sometimes, using alternative communication methods such as gestures, pictures, or electronic devices can support and develop communication skills.
• Working with a speech therapist: A professional speech therapist can design specialized strategies and programs to improve speech skills. Working with a speech therapist can be particularly effective for individualized support.
• Creating a supportive environment: Set up a comfortable and calm learning environment. Make sure that learning takes place in a setting where the child feels safe and confident.
• Social scenarios: Use role-playing and social scenarios to help the child practice speech in different situations. This can help improve communication skills in real-life settings.

Autism Correction Through Stem Cell Therapy

An innovative approach to treating autism in children is practiced by doctors at the Mardaleishvili Medical Center (Georgia). This involves transplanting the patient’s own stem cells. In some cases, stem cells from umbilical cord blood or a donor’s blood (such as a sibling) may be used for therapy. As a result of the therapy, brain cells responsible for speech, mental health, and sensory perception are activated. After the procedure, children often show significant progress in their development.

To learn more about stem cell transplantation, consult with the specialists at the Mardaleishvili Medical Center!