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Semin Speech Lang 2006; 27(3): 161-172
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-948227
Copyright © 2006 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Teaching Young Children with Autism To Talk

Paul Yoder1 , Andrea McDuffie2
  • 1Professor, Department of Special Education, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
  • 2Post-Doctoral Fellow, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
29 August 2006 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Frequent functional spoken communication is a common goal for young children with autism. We propose that the number of different nonimitative, referential, conventional, and communicative words used in a language sample is a reasonable measure of the behavior we wish to increase in such children. We review our own and others' studies focusing on young (i.e., 2 to 3 years old) children with autism to provide a rationale for including object play and nonverbal communication as potentially important treatment goals. Children who are not yet fluent in object play and nonverbal communication may need to improve these skills to facilitate the implementation and uptake of direct language therapy. Past research has shown that object play, nonverbal communication, and useful speech all are influenced by various types of interventions in young children with autism.

KEYWORDS

Object play - nonverbal communication - spoken communication - intervention - autism

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Paul YoderPh.D. 

Department of Special Education

Peabody Box 328, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37203

Email: paul.yoder@vanderbilt.edu

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