Autism/severe speech delay

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Expert: - 4/25/2010


Question
I am living in Australia and care for my 3yr old autistic grandson 3 days per week while my daughter works as a day care mum. I am a retired schoolteacher and going crazy trying to get some speech from my grandson. He has no speech whatsoever, does not follow simple instructions, point to parts of his body or play with toys, yet he frequently does surprising things that show he has a reasonable understanding of what is happening around him. He does not acknowledge that you are speaking to him but will pick up his bag if you tell him we are going to leave..He is attending 2 sessions of o.t. and a morning at a playgroup for autistic children and he is the only one who cannot say one word. I am sure I could help him if I only knew how!
He is extremely physical and the o.t. programs are floor-time, which he absolutely loves- but no sounds are made, no  matter how long we wait for a response. Hoping for assistance, Thank you.

Answer
Hi Alison,

Capitalize on whatever form of communication he will use. With a child like this, it is not unreasonable to consider sign language. It is more important that he acquires language than that he speaks. Be assured, sign IS a fully developed language. He may be an "elective mute." For some reason, he feels safer and more in control by not talking.

Some people believe that "allowing" a child to communicate in sign will discourage talking. I don't agree. Always talk and sign at the same time. You know he can hear.

I do not know if there is a program, near you, that will teach in this way.

Also, watch the techniques of floor time and repeat these at home. Play with him, narrate what you are doing when you dress him, cook, clean, etc. Reward attention with attention. If you get a sound, reward it but don't get too excited. These kids can actually be turned off if people go overboard with praise.

Best wishes,
Catherine

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Catherine Ridenour

Expertise

I can answer your questions about parenting your High Functioning Autisic or Asperger`s Syndrome child. In particular, questions about family life, discipline, siblings, finding resources, and working with (sometimes opposing) the educational system are welcome.

Experience

I am the parent of an Asperger's Syndrome child who is now 22 years old. She went undiagnosed for 14 years of her life, so I have done extensive reading and Internet research into the possible cause of her difficulties. Even a short 8 years ago, A.S. was practically unheard of by the public educational system.

We fumbled our way through her childhood and early adolescence without any effective outside support. In some ways, that may have been a blessing as we were focused on her abilities rather than a label for her disability. However, I can think of many times when knowing WHY would have been comforting.

Had we known very early on, some social skills interventions might have made her life in school easier. At this point, I like her for who she is so I do not regret how things have turned out. More importantly, she likes herself.

Education/Credentials
I have a Bachelor of Science in Education.

I have worked to educate myself about Autism in general and HFA/AS in particular.

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