Speech Therapy for Autism

Many parents of children with autism ask us this. It is very challenging to parent a child who does not speak. Often, our relationship can feel one-sided, especially if our child does not seem to engage with us or communicate at all. We recognise the heartache and exhaustion this can cause.

Unfortunately, we can’t predict whether your child will speak. But what we build through therapy are their underlying skills. Does your child become capable of interacting with another person (even without words)? Can they build relationships and connections?

Words often come as a part of your child’s journey, but the real goal is healthy social communication and a stronger relationship with you.

Parents know their children really well, so our assessments focus on gathering information from you. We will also gather information from your child’s school, if appropriate.

As well as many general questions about your family and your child’s life so far, we will ask lots of questions about communication. For example:

• How does your child communicate with you (verbal and non verbal)?

• What do they enjoy doing?

• What helps them to stay calm and focused?

• What dysregulates them?

Sometimes, we’ll make this assessment without the child present, but often we’ll gather the information while your child plays, observing the way they interact with you, us and the environment around them.

Occasionally, it’ll be appropriate to do a formal language assessment. Depending on your child’s needs, we may complete an observation in school during both structured and unstructured activities.

Emotional and sensory dysregulation can have a big impact on a child’s ability to focus, engage and learn during therapy sessions. Sometimes we might recommend that you begin with our -occupational therapists before speech therapy. They specialise in helping autistic children build self-regulation skills and supporting the people around them to co-regulate.

Where we see your child depends on their needs and your needs as parents. Our goal is to support both your child and everyone around your child: parents, siblings and teachers. We work very flexibly with families, adapting throughout the course of therapy.

Some children are seen in our clinic and some at home, but often we work with your child at school. There are many benefits to doing this, as we are able to work alongside the school to informally upskill and support staff within school. Wherever we see your child, we remain in constant communication with you as parents.

For some clients, the best therapy option is indirect therapy, where we work only with the child’s parents, supporting and coaching them.

The number and frequency of therapy sessions is determined by the ongoing needs of your family. We work flexibly, shaping therapy around you, your child, what you can afford and what other support you’re getting.

After assessment, your therapist will be able to make a recommendation about the best starting place for your family.

We often have parents asking us this question. However, in therapy your child is going through a complex developmental process, which takes time. More frequent sessions with the therapist will not speed up the process.

You as a parent play a vital role in your child’s progress. You are learning a better way to communicate together and building a deeper relationship. This takes time and cannot be rushed.

There are many ways that therapists approach neurodivergence. At Hope Therapies, we work in a neurodiverse affirming way. Neurodiverse affirming therapy means we approach our clients with the following principles:

• We accept and respect who they are, how they think and feel and how they express themselves.

• We don't view neurodivergence as a problem to be fixed, but rather as a personality characteristic that, like all characteristics, has strengths and weaknesses.

• We help them work towards their goals and what they want or need to live well.

• We don't teach or seek conformity; instead, we work with them and their parents/carers/educational setting to help them thrive.

To read more about neurodiverse affirming therapy, visit the Very Well Mind website.

Of course! We are always happy to work closely with our NHS colleagues to get the best outcome for your child.

Please mention that your child is having ABA therapy when you complete your referral form. A therapist will call you to discuss the best way to proceed.