AboutValerie 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.
Question QUESTION: My son is 4 1/2 with autism diagnosis at age 2. He did have a handful of words prior to 2, then it all vanished and became more sounds and one or two words. He is now receiving prompt therapy, and will say most words you model him to, but not on his own, just a handful on his own. Have you seen improvement at this age level, as I have been told by several after 5 if he's not talking on his own, it rarely happens. I welcome any suggestions or other methods.
ANSWER: Hi Helen
I'm not much for therapy that just focuses on getting a child to repeat words when he doesn't use it spontaneously unless it is paired with other types of communication strategies. Too bad you missed my webinar class last Friday which focused on this, but it will be offered again in July: http://www.valerieherskowitz.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=131
But I wouldn't throw out the baby with the bath water. Keep working on the speech, but add in other communication strategies that focus on spontaneity and initiation. That will hopefully help bridge the verbal behavior into more functional language.
If you need help with this, perhaps we can do a consultation. Just let me know.
Valerie Herskowitz, MA CCC-SLP
Author: Autism and Computers: Maximizing Independence Through Technology
www.valerieherskowitz.com
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: You mention using other communication strategies, can you be a little more specific. He will be given more opportunity for integration in Kindergarten with social groups, and specials i.e. music, art, gym. He really only started Prompt last October. How long would you give for this type of speech therapy? Thanks for your input.
Answer I think that the prompt method is working to increase verbal behaviors, which is good, but not doing anything to increase communication in a general sense. I would recommend teaching him other forms of communication that stress spontaneous speech and initiation such as sign language, picture communication etc while you continue to work on the speech. Research indicates that these methods can increase verbal language and of course, help with the communication. I am very saddened when I see a child who has no way to communicate and just parrots speech. I couldn't really recommend which communication strategy would be best for your son without knowing specifics about him, so my answer is general for that reason.
