Communication is difficult for most children with autism. This is one of the hallmarks of having a child on the spectrum. Many parents struggle with being unable to get their children to communicate or understand what their needs are. This can be a challenge even in high-functioning children with autism. At Camp Worth, we offer a range of strategies that can help, including social skills groups that aim to build core communication skills.
Make Communication the Focus of Each Day
Because communication is one of the most critical skills children need to develop and one of the most challenging for those with autism to embrace, it has to be a focus of each day. Finding new ways to reach your child is important. However, there are simple strategies that can be at the core of improving language skills. Consider these strategies:
- Always show patience in communication. This can encourage a person to continue to try to get out what they want to say or express. Frustration and anger drive roadblocks instead.
- Be respectful and affectionate. Creating a connection with your loved one can help to encourage communication because they feel valued and trusted.
- Be persistent and consistent. Teaching any skill requires patience, but it also requires consistently repeating the same strategies. Don’t let them not talk.
- Seek out a new way of asking a question.
- Teach expressions of anger without aggressiveness. Everyone feels angry, but it is possible to express it safely. This is another area that consistency becomes critical.
- Don’t focus on attention-getting behavior. Though this can be very challenging in some situations, it can prove to be a critical component of the learning process.
- Interact not just with words but with physical activity as well. Use as many strategies as you can to get your son or daughter to communicate openly.
Communicating with a child who has autism takes more time and patience. It also takes a lot of hard work but pays off for many.
Work on Autism Social Skills
Communication cannot just happen in the home. It also needs to develop properly to allow for social development. Social skills groups can help to make that possible. These are opportunities for children to interact with others who share similar struggles. These types of autism therapy programs can open the door for new learning methods. They also help a child to learn how to express themselves by watching others do the same. Autism social skills can be another very challenging area of development, but they are critical tools and worth the work.
How We Can Help with Communication and Social Skills
Invest the time in finding the right type of help for your child. Autism therapy programs are not all the same. At Discover Camp Worth, we work with children with autism between the ages of 11 and 17, providing new strategies and methods to help them communicate in a meaningful manner. We also work with parents to help them gain the skills they need to embrace their child’s ability to speak and communicate.
Let our team help you manage the most difficult of situations. We work to help with some of the most challenging of needs, including:
- Improving expression of feelings and thoughts
- Communicating needs
- Learning life skills
- Building on positive behaviors
- Reducing poor behaviors
Explore Treatment Options Available at Discover Camp Worth
It’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by communication struggles within your home. Many parents are at the end of their line, unable to create a breakthrough. At Discover Camp Worth, we provide a way for you to learn more and engage better. Learn more about our programs and strategies when you call 855.915.2545 or reach out to us online.
