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About Valerie Herskowitz
Expertise
I am an autism expert and speech pathologist (for over 30 years). I am also the parent of a child with autism. I can answer any question on autism dealing with communication, education, behavior and diet. I cannot answer questions that are medical in nature or are dealing with medications.

Experience
I have run a therapy center for individuals with autism since 1981. I lecture all over the country. I also teach classes on autism on line.

Organizations
American Speech and Hearing Association, Autism Society of America, President of the National Autism Registry, Vice President of the Association for Developmentally Disabled Adults and Adolescents.

Publications
Autism Society of America's national publication (September 2008). Advance Magazine, South Florida Parenting, Spectrum Magazine, I am the author of: Autism and Computers: Maximizing Independence Through Technology (available:www.valerieherskowitz.com)

Education/Credentials
I have a masters degree in speech pathology

Awards and Honors
I won a Stevie Award in 2004: Lifetime Achievement Award for my work with individuals with autism. My therapy center won, Judge's Choice Award Best Center in South Florida by South Florida Parenting magazine 2005.

You are here: Experts > Parenting/Family > Parenting Special Needs > Autism > expressive speech

Autism - expressive speech

Expert: Valerie Herskowitz - 10/30/2009

Question
Hi,
My son is 28mth & has about 40 words (sounds) and a handful of 2 word phrases like All-done, bye bye daddy, there it is. He is extremely stubborn and strong willed. He signs "me", all done, more and open after 3-mths of therapy, points like crazy and uses his words appropriately when he does use them. He has gained most of his words in these past 3mths as well.

Since you are the speech expert my question is this: How much can you really affect a child's personality(behavior) to get him to use his speech more effectively when he doesn't want to. For example, I know he can say ball but during therapy he won't say it easily. If you hold the ball and ask him who wants it he will sign "me". Once he gets it in his hand he will say ball. He says things when he wants to. When he decides to use his words they are appropriate.

I will try and read him a book and he will want to hold it. I have to fight to hold it. Eventually he lets me but its like he always wants to do and say things on his terms. He knows all his body parts and will point to objects when asked what they are and he understands simple commands like put in the garbage, close the door, shut off the tv, get your shoes, etc... Everytime i start an activity with him its almost like he thinks its a therapy session and cries for 10 secs and then stops and tries to enjoy it. Sometimes he does, sometimes he doesn't.

I want to break through this behavior but feel like its impossible or that its just him. Isn't there a book on techniques that can be used that are proven to work? Or should i just be patient like my husband says.

Answer
Hi Cetta

I think I have an issue with the way therapy is being handled. Are they trying to get him to identify pictures or objects ("What is this?)? If so, he may find that task irrelevant to his life, which is why he is not responding to that type of prompt. Just not a motivating experience for him.

Let's switch the approach to these types of things:
1. a play therapy environment in which he is required to speak in order to get what he needs for the play task
2. Computer-based therapy which is way more motivating for a child like him. When I work with children like your son, they respond much better to computer-based language stimulation because it is much more motivating.

Let me know if you would like more information on these approaches.

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