Children suffering from autism tend to take time to learn how to speak and communicate.
Previously people thought that children with autism who fail to speak before the age of four would most probably never speak.
But researchers have proven that entirely wrong.
There are methods and ways to help your child communicate. They can always learn, and even after a certain age, they still might be able to speak and communicate with others.
There is always a good chance they will learn with the help of others.
Techniques you can use
There are plenty of ways to help your child engage in communication.
You have to use both verbal and non-verbal ways to do it.
There are apps for non-verbal autism that help immensely.
It’s always best to start as early as possible.
All children with autism might not learn in the same way, which is why you have to be consistent and try different techniques to encourage them.
With the help of the internet, you can find credible ways that might help you and your child.
One other way to get information is to consult specialists or parents who have gone through the same phase. Their experience and insight might just help you out.
Here are the best ways to help your child engage in communication.
Build up a friendly relation
Children with autism sometimes are uncomfortable around new people.
In some cases, they feel distressed.
So, in order to encourage them to communicate first, you have to bridge the gap. This might take a bit of time.
But a strong bond with the child will definitely help speed up the entire process.
Use flashcards, charts, drawings, and labels
Using visual cues is a very effective way to teach all children.
It works well with children with autism as well.
Labeling objects helps the child learn.
Here you have to help out the children.
Once they can read, you will have to read out the words in the label.
After seeing how you do it, they will also try and imitate it.
This helps in learning as well as in communicating.
Focus on posture and gesture
Gestures are a very good way to interact with your child.
Be sure to exaggerate your gestures so your child can follow and observe if they see and react to it.
If it’s a “yes,” then nod your head up and down slowly and clearly, and if it’s a “no,” then nod it left to right.
The idea is for them to understand the gestures and then try to imitate those to communicate with other people.
Perform the gestures at the eye level of your child, so they can always see you and understand you.
Become imitator of your child
Research has found that imitating your child’s behavior and sounds can encourage them to perform more vocalization and interaction.
They will also consider it as a game, take a turn, and copy you.
But make sure your child’s actions are good and harmless.
If you notice any sort of bad behaviour like – throwing, fighting, or breaking things, then you will have to discourage it politely with facial expression and eye contact and make them understand that it is bad behavior.
Give importance to your child’s interest
Don’t be hasty and force the child to say things.
Follow your child’s interest.
Some may have an interest in watching cartoons; some may have fun playing or eating.
Find out what attracts your child and then focus and encourage them on that subject.
If your child likes to throw a ball, then play with him/her and say the action out loud like.
If the child throws it, you should say “Throw the ball”, if the child likes to watch TV, say words related to the action, so they can become familiar with it.
Don’t try to force your interest on them; that might just cause them more
anxiety. If the anxiety becomes too severe, the experts at Daily CBD have written about the best CBD brands for kids with anxiety, ADHD, and autism.
Give your child their space
Different children will learn at different paces.
One technique that has worked for someone will not necessarily mean it will work for others as well.
Children with autism can take longer to understand certain things.
So, you have to give them that space and scope of learning.
Do not try to rush things while trying to communicate with them or teaching them to speak.
They should learn at their own pace.
But remember, you have to practice with them regularly so that they can
learn at a good pace.
Take help of the advanced technological devices
There are many types of assistive devices available to help children and adults with ASD who struggle to communicate with both those who are able to speak and those who are completely non- verbal.
There are many apps and software that can work wonders for your child.
There are apps that speak for you.
Apps like VocaliD that have children’s voices recorded and stored in them, and with just a tap on the device, the sounds that come out are real voices and not robotic sounds which makes your child feel more comfortable.
Otismo is an app that teaches through visual aids and pictures.
The apps used for the development of children with autism are very easy
and fun to use, but overall, they have proven to be effective in many cases.
Be optimistic and patient
A positive outlook and consistent support will make your children comfortable and understanding towards you and towards behavioral
patterns.
Patience and autism have to connect.
When you raise a child with autism, sometimes it’s tough to get patience, and more so to keep it.
Sometimes it gets difficult to raise a child with autism.
But they are precious and deserve equal opportunities as well.
Research even proves that with proper care, effective techniques, and regular practice, children with autism can learn to communicate very well.
Some may take time to learn, but they do start speaking and interacting.
So do not give up hope just yet.
Believe in yourself and in your child’s abilities.
Here are some other useful resources –
A Helpful Online Safety Guide for People With Autism Spectrum Disorders
