Speech Language Pathologist (SLP)

Speech Language Pathologists or Therapists are qualified professionals who help with the development of speech, language, communications and vocalizations. SLPs work with children on the Autism Spectrum from non-verbal to excessively verbal kids who need help with conversations and social interactions.  The SLP will evaluate and access your child and create a customized speech/language program depending on your child's individual needs.  These sessions usually include the therapist and child working together to increase the child's speech and communication.

Related Sites

www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/autism/#two   The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association website answers questions about speech and communication techniques used on children with Autism.
http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/benefits-speech-therapy-autism   This article explains the benefits of speech therapy for children with ASD.

Books

Receptive, Expressive & Intraverbal Language Drills: For Children with Autism & Speech & Language Delays   by Danni Bloom.
Description: This is a 63 page book containing 150 color photographs. I've made this book because two very challenging aspects of an Autism Treatment Program are finding just the right picture to teach, and knowing the right questions to ask about each picture.

Improving Speech and Eating Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders - An Oral Motor Program for Home and School   by Maureen A. Flanagan.
Description:  Many treatment programs encourage verbal imitation and production without addressing the oral hypersensitivities that often inhibit the ability to produce verbal language in children with autism spectrum disorders.  This guide introduces an oral-motor protocol designed to enhance the child s ability to produce more normal movement patterns.  It is accompanied by activities that can be incorporated into the child s daily schedule at home or at school for improved eating and speech development.  The suggestions and activities will enable parents and professionals to broaden food varieties in a child s diet, increase a child s ability to accept touch inside and around the mouth, and expand the number of sounds produced by a child.

Here's How to Do Therapy: Hands-On Core Skills in Speech Language Pathology   by Debra M. Dwigh.
Description:  The author presents an easy-to-read, easy-to-follow guide on conducting effective therapy sessions.  The book includes concepts, explanations, and strategies directly keyed to the therapy session and provides checklists and therapeutic-specific workshop forms.  A 50-minute DVD accompanies the books in includes one-to-three minute vignettes highlighting concepts and two 10-minute sessions cover language-based therapy and articulation therapy.

Tools

www.linguisystems.com    This is a website for Speech Language Pathologists that offers a variety of teaching tools you can order for all ages and abilities. Some of the materials available are: Autism & PDD Social Stories and Language Activities, Picture Stories & Language Activities Social Skills Interactive Software, Spotlight books and software, No-Glamour materials and a variety of other materials.
http://www.pecsusa.com/pecs.php   The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) begins by teaching an individual to give a picture of a desired item to a "communicative partner" who immediately honors the exchange as a request.
http://babybumblebee.com/autism-ready-to-learn/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=2013_Autism_C_Bing   Video modeling DVDs and materials to help develop speech are provided at this web site.

Parent Forums

(Some forums require you to sign in to Yahoo or Facebook to locate forum names.)
Forum Name:  Speech Therapy
http://www.speechtherapyforum.com/  Speech Therapy Forum is dedicated to providing professionals and parents with informed reviews of speech therapy games and activities to use with children and adolescents to help improve their communication skills.