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Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

By Speech and Hearing BC | May 22, 2014

What is Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)?

Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD is a complex developmental disorder that affects a child’s development. Characteristics of ASD include difficulty with developing social communication and social interaction skills, particularly in understanding and using nonverbal communication. Persons with ASD also exhibit restricted and repetitive behaviours and interests. ASD affects 1 in 68 children and is more common in boys than girls.

What can professionals do to help?

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are experts in communication development. SLPs are able to accurately assess the key areas of development affected by ASD; nonverbal communication skills such as joint attention, verbal communication skills, social development including emotion sharing, imitation, and play skills. Based on the assessment, SLPs work with parents to put together intervention goals and strategies to address areas of concern. SLPs work with parents in the home and with community professionals, such as daycare or preschool personnel, to facilitate learning across all environments. SLPs work jointly with other professionals, such as behaviour intervention teams, to coordinate services which best meet the needs of all areas of a child’s development. SLPs use a variety of intervention approaches that are evidence-based.