Autism has the capability of affecting speech, language development, and social communication in numerous ways.

Speech Difficulties for Children with Autism

A person with autism may:

• Hum or talk in a musical way
• Often repeat what another person says
• Be non-verbal
• Utter grunts, cries, shrieks, or throaty, harsh sounds
• Use the right phrases and sentences, but with an unexpressive tone of voice
• Babble with word-like sounds
• Use foreign-sounding “words” or robotic-like speech

About one in three people with autism has trouble constructing speech sounds to effectively communicate. The person’s language, if present, may simply be too difficult to understand.

• Related reading: Speech Delay vs. Autism: Identifying the Differences

Communication Difficulties for Children with Autism

A person with autism may have one or more of these communication challenges:

• Memorization of things heard without knowing what’s been said
• Trouble with conversational skills, which include eye contact and gestures
• Lack of creative language
• Trouble understanding the meaning of words outside the context where they were learned
• Reliance on echolalia – the repeating of another’s words as they are being said, as a main form of communication
• Little understanding of the meaning of words or symbols

Social Communication and Autism

Because of challenges like these, a child with autism must be able to do more than just learn how to speak. The child also has to learn how to use language to communicate. This includes knowing how to hold a conversation. It also includes tuning into both verbal and nonverbal cues from other people, such as facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language.

Find Additional Resources in the NAPA Blog:

• Speech Delay vs. Autism: Identifying the Differences
• AAC and Sign Language for Children with Autism
• What is AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)?
• What I’ve Learned From Working With Autistic Children
• Benefits of Weighted Vests for Children with Autism
• Do Weighted Blankets Improve Sleep for Children with Autism?

About NAPA Centre

NAPA Centre is a world-renowned provider of paediatric speech therapy programs, with clinics around the world. Contact our team to discover how NAPA can help your child.