Improving Communication Skills for Preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Current research indicates that an estimated 30% of children with autism spectrum disorders fail to develop functional use of speech throughout their lifetime. The latest research, however, indicates that greater communicationoutcomes can be achieved through the use of multimodal cueing and motor-based learning approaches that capitalize on visual strengths inherent to populations with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The course takes a neurodiverse approach to treatingchildren with autism spectrum disorder. It focuses on capitalizing on strengths while developing foundational weaknesses. Speech-language pathologists leave this course empowered to create change. Participants will learn pivotal evidence-based strategies that work. These include selecting optimal treatment targets, multimodally cueing, and creating educationally rich activities that globally strengthen skills. This focus on treating the whole child creates lifelong change.

Highlights

• Utilize a neurodiverse approach to treating preschoolers with autism spectrum disorders by selecting treatment targets that create optimal participation, gains, and generalization
• Effective, evidence-based multimodal cueing strategiesthat capitalize on children with ASD's unique strengths to efficiently promote both speech development and functional Augmentative Assistive Communication (AAC) use
• Increase speech development by developing educationally rich activities that improve foundational core, gross, and fine motor skills as well as executive function
• Immediately put effective strategies into practice across people and environments with free, functional, ready-for-useAAC visual support materials

Target Audience: Speech-Language Pathologists