Communication and Autism: 4 Resources to Help

Communication and speech are common struggles for some individuals with autism. Those who do not speak or who have great difficulty speaking may be considered “nonverbal,” while those who do speak are considered “verbal.” However, “non-verbal” is not an entirely accurate term. Those who do have challenges speaking may still understand words spoken to them, or use other forms of communication. On the other hand, those who can speak verbally may still benefit from additional communication methods.

ABA teaches functional communication in a variety of ways. It’s crucial that those with autism learn to communicate their wants and needs. Through learning effective communication, individuals receive the help they need to live their best life.

Communication and Autism

In ABA therapy, BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts), RBTs (Registered Behavior Technicians) and ABA Therapists teach communication skills based on the behavioral and learning needs of the client. Additionally, Speech Language Pathologists target more specific communication goals and skills. BCBAs closely collaborate with speech and language pathologists to choose what will best help the client. BCBAs provide input on the client’s behaviors which determines the final decision on which communication method will be best. Additionally, BCBAs help parents learn what they can do at home to assist their child in communicating.

Building a Foundation for Communication

A common concern of parents who have a child who struggles with speech is how to teach them to communicate their wants and needs. This is typically one of the first skills that BCBAs work on for a client who is new to ABA Therapy.

We asked one of our fantastic BCBAs for input on this subject. Batoul Dekmak, M.Ed, BCBA, LBA, stresses the importance of working on communication with kids. “All kids that walk through our doors are fairly communicative. However, a lot of time they communicate more with their behavior.” For example, children often get frustrated and engage in problem behavior due to difficulties in appropriately communicating with others. BCBAs take data on this behavior and apply it to the language and communication process. “As soon as a child begins therapy with us,” Batoul explains, “BCBAs, RBTs, and Speech Pathologists immediately start working on multi-modal communication including vocal language, gestures, AAC devices, and PECS® books. We want the child to express themselves as much as they can to navigate their world more independently.”

BCBAs and Speech Pathologists simultaneously model language to promote development of robust communication skills. An example of this is when a child uses an AAC device when playing with toys. The BCBA may comment on the child’s play using their device, such as “play dinosaur,” stating what the child is doing. This shows the child that the BCBA can also communicate using the device and how to comment on something. The goal for communication is to meet a child’s needs and wants, as well as the child gaining the ability to socialize with others.

Tools for Communication

Here are several common methods used to help children with autism communicate.

PECS®

PECS® stands for Picture Exchange Communication System®. In this system, the child gives a picture or word icon to someone in exchange for what they are requesting. Consider this example within the ABA setting. If a child wants a snack, they hand an icon of a preferred food to their RBT or BCBA who would then give them the item. PECS® icons are often stored in a three-ring binder with pages of laminated icons attached with Velcro. If you stepped inside our clinics, you would see several clients walking around with these binders, often attached to a strap for easy transport.

The goal of PECS® is for non-verbal children and those who are learning to speak to communicate their needs to caregivers in a simple way. To address changing stages of communication development, PECS® consists of six phases starting with exchanging icons through constructing sentences.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device

An AAC device is a tablet or laptop that contains words and images. When a child selects a word or image, the device “speaks” the input requested. Kids with autism who use AACs gradually build skills for how to use the device. They might begin with simple one-word requests then moving to more complex sentences. Kids work on these skills in ABA therapy under supervision of BCBAs and speech pathologists. There are multiple AAC software such as LAMP™ or TouchChat, offering different layouts and ways of selecting words to meet the user’s needs.

Sign Language

Sign language uses hands and facial expressions to communicate, a common form being American Sign Language or ASL. Along with PECS®, ASL stands as one of the most frequently used methods of communication for non-verbal children on the autism spectrum.

Speech therapy

Licensed Speech Pathologists lead speech therapy. Speech Pathologists work with parents, teachers, and BCBAs to determine the best methods of communication for the child. In speech therapy sessions, the pathologist will work with the client on skills such as conversation, articulation, social cues and how to respond. If a client has an AAC device or PECS® book, the pathologist will help them use their device or icons effectively. At our clinics, our speech therapists often utilize games, toys, and fun activities to engage clients in the speech therapy process.

After reading through all this information on communication and autism, you may feel unsure of which  method is best for your child. If you are interested in any of the mentioned tools, talk with your child’s BCBA. If you want more information on our ABA Therapy and speech therapy services, please contact us here.

Addressing Sleep Issues in Children With Autism

Trouble sleeping often plagues many of us due to factors such as stress, physical health, or irregular schedules. But for those on the autism spectrum, falling asleep and staying asleep is a very common and serious challenge. Additionally, sleep issues in children with autism can affect the whole family. It is crucial to address problems sleeping in children with autism not only for the child’s health but yours as well. Sleep is one of our basic needs and if it is not met properly, health issues and poor functioning may occur.

Interestingly, sleep is one of the least studied aspects of autism. However, based on the evidence we do have, we know that poor sleep is twice as common among children with autism than neurotypical children.  According to a 2019 study, toddlers with autism are highly likely to have sleep issues by age 7. Consequently, sleep issues in children with autism are linked to negative behavior and lack of social skills. Needless to say, good sleep is critical for those with ASD, as poor sleep risks a lower quality of life and health.

Why sleep issues in individuals with autism?

Have you ever tried to fall asleep with a lawn mower outside your window, or with the lights on? Unless you’re a super heavy sleeper, it is fairly difficult. For individuals with autism, even a crack of light or creak on a floor can feel like that lawn mower or a fully lit room, therefore disrupting restful sleep. Moreover, sensory processing issues often contribute to sleep issues in children with ASD. Sensitivity to light, sound or touch prohibit full sleep cycles from occurring.

Children with autism often battle other health conditions  which is another large factor for sleep difficulties, such as:

  • ADHD
  • Anxiety
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Medications (stimulants can cause insomnia)
  • Genetics that affect melatonin production

How to improve sleep for a child with autism

So how do you improve sleep issues in children with autism? Consider trying out these five tips:

1. Sensory Input

Minimize sensory input as much as possible. Keep your child’s room dark, cool, and quiet. Take note of any potential distractors that may keep them awake, such as night lights, toys, and clutter. A white noise machine may also be helpful to block out any noises.

2. Limit Screens

Turn off screens an hour before bedtime, as the blue light in screens tricks the brain into thinking it is daytime and thus time to stay awake rather than sleep.

3. Schedules

Stick to a regular schedule for falling asleep and waking up to keep the body in sync. Create a routine that starts an hour before the child needs to be in bed. Set timers as reminders for transitioning to bedtime. Practice relaxing activities such as reading together, a bath, or having a light snack.

4. Try Supplements

According to research, taking low-dose supplements such as melatonin an hour to a half hour before bed can lower insomnia in children with ASD. Controlled-release melatonin can improve falling asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Please be sure to consult with your child’s Doctor to get their expert input before trying out any supplements.

5. Take Care of Yourself

As a parent, you are the one who is most likely running bedtime routines and dealing with nightly wake-ups, which is exhausting. Make sure to care for your well-being so you have energy to give during the day. However, we realize the great difficulty in helping your child to stay in bed while you and your family are trying to rest. Try incentivizing techniques for your child staying in bed all night, such as a reward chart or using visuals of them sleeping. If they need someone in the room in order to fall asleep, try gradually moving out of the room a little more each night. Additionally, ensure they are getting enough activity and exercise to burn off energy during the day, resulting in better sleep at night for both them and you.

These tips are by no means a miracle cure, but with practice and patience, they have potential to decrease sleep problems and make life a little easier for your child and family alike. Remember to consult your child’s pediatrician with any sleep issues your child is experiencing. They may recommend seeing a pediatric sleep specialist or participating in a sleep study to rule out other potential causes.

Supporting Siblings of Children With Autism

Raising a child with autism affects the whole family in both positive and challenging ways.  But so much of your attention as a parent goes to caring for your child with autism, and understandably so. In turn, siblings may struggle with very legitimate challenges that come from having a brother or sister on the spectrum. How do you build relationships with and attend to all your children while still meeting the needs of your child on the spectrum? With some planning and intentional communication, you can manage time spent with each child and tune in to your neurotypical children’s needs as well.

Sibling Stress

According to a 2019 study, siblings of children with autism tend to face more social and emotional struggles than those with neurotypical siblings. Some challenges typically developing siblings may face include:

  • Embarrassment around friends or the public when a sibling with autism displays certain behaviors
  • Jealousy for attention from parents who are often preoccupied with the child on the spectrum
  • Experiencing aggressive behaviors from sibling with autism
  • Anxiety from lack of information about a sibling’s disability, as well as responsibility for their sibling
  • Wanting to make up for the sibling with autism’s shortcomings to ease their parent’s mind

It’s easy for parents of a child with autism to feel discouraged and maybe even guilty upon learning the difficulties their neurotypical children face. While you are doing the very best you can, there are ways to balance your time and attention for all your children.

Supporting Neurotypical Siblings

Tune In

Recognizing the challenges your typical child may face is crucial to their sense of safety and care. Notice how they may react to difficult moments with their sibling on the spectrum or how they respond to you or your partner when around their sibling. Awareness of behaviors and emotions can open up problem solving possibilities that you may have thought were insurmountable.

Communicate

Talk about autism openly and accurately so your kids understand their sibling. As mentioned earlier, siblings of children with autism can feel anxious if not kept in the loop about everything that’s happening with their brother or sister. Start conversations with your typical children and let them know it’s ok to ask questions or experience difficult feelings. For example, debrief with your typical child after their sibling has a public meltdown. Listen to how they’re feeling and empathize with them, acknowledging the hard moment and how it affected you both. Additionally, keep communication ongoing. Your life with a child with autism is a huge part of your family dynamics so involve all members in honest communication that is appropriate to their age level.

Plan

Spending one-on-one time with your children lays the foundation for that open and ongoing communication. Attention doesn’t have to be constant for all your kids, but make sure it is consistent. One great way to maintain consistency is planning special uninterrupted one-on-one time with your typical kids. Perhaps this looks like a short nightly bedtime activity or getting a treat each weekend. Intentionally setting aside time will help your children feel seen and understood. You can even trade off with your spouse or partner if circumstances allow. Whether you plan the special times together bi-weekly, weekly, or even bi-monthly, the important part is that you’re consistently checking in with your children. It will mean a lot to them, more than you may realize.

Boundaries

You may utilize your child with autism’s siblings to care for them from time to time. Avoid overburdening your typical children with too many responsibilities with their sibling. Acknowledge that your child needs their space regularly, just as you need space occasionally as well. Setting boundaries together is helpful, such as asking your child when they feel overwhelmed in caring for their sibling and coming up with a plan on how to communicate that.

Additionally, prioritize safe spaces. Siblings are often targets for aggressive behavior from a brother or sister on the spectrum. Help your child learn how to respond when such behaviors occur, as well as storing valuable belongings in a place inaccessible to their sibling. Uphold the importance of respecting your typical kids’ space and personal items.

Benefits of Having a Sibling on the Spectrum

Let’s not forget that challenges make us learn and become better people. Despite adversities typically developing siblings face, there is a plethora of good things that come from being a sibling of a child with autism. Siblings of children with special needs are more likely to go into helping professions such as teaching, special education, and medical professions. Some of our own Healing Haven staff have family members with a disability, and a few of our families have typical children who have gone on to thrive in such careers.

Likewise, typically developing siblings grow up utilizing skills such as compassion, empathy, and patience. They learn to advocate for not only their brother or sister but for other individuals with special needs they may encounter. Those with a brother or sister on the spectrum can see the world from different perspectives just as their sibling does, developing conflict resolution skills. Finally, the daily challenges that typical siblings face can mold them into a person of maturity, leadership and courage.

Keep in mind that how you respond to your child’s disability will be how your typical children respond. Set a clear example of positivity for your family so your typical kids will see less hindrances and more joy. Amidst all the challenges, siblings of kids with autism are rockstars in life!

Outside Support

You don’t have to support your neurotypical child alone. Support groups such as the Sibling Support Project connect children who have siblings with special needs, allowing a space for kids to process the ups and downs of living with their sibling. Likewise, encourage your neurotypical children to befriend peers who have a sibling with autism. Just like adults, when kids have friends who understand them, they will experience less isolation and more allyship.

More Resources

  • Our ABA Parent Training provides ideas for supporting typical children in how they interact with their sibling. Additionally, we provide counseling for siblings so they have a safe place to talk through their experiences and help them navigate their often complex world.
  • Check out this book on siblings and autism: Siblings of Children With Autism: A Guide For Families