Speech and Language Therapy versus other approaches
My son is 5 years old and has autism and I would like to get some private help for him. I am confused by the help that private Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) can provide compared to other therapies, such as ABA. From my Internet research private SLT’s claim they have experience working with autistic children, but will such therapists just concentrate on speech and language or will they include social interaction? ABA seems to focus on social interactions, but I am confused with the structure and worry it will not include speech and language? Any advice or recommendations will be greatly appreciated.
What is Applied Behaviour Analysis?
The basis of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the scientific study of behavior and it focuses on social behaviors. It has much more of a set structure then speech and language therapy meaning it can be harder to tailor therapy to the client. However, many years of research have indorsed treatments based on ABA and more recently many published research studies have acknowledged its effectiveness.
The aim is to improve socially significant behaviors in a meaningful degree. It has been proven to be a particularly effective learning tool for helping children with autism or developmental delays acquire and maintain new skills. A therapist will use a system of rewards and consequences to teach the child new behaviours. Although results indicate it is a highly successful technique, others believe that it can create quite a ‘robotic’ personality in children and it does not work on other speech and language needs the child may have.
What is Speech and Language Therapy?
A Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) does more then the name suggests. Yes, we work with people with speech and language needs but we also work with children and adults with communication, sensory and eating/drinking impairment. Often people think we work very narrowly and do not understand what is involved in speech and language therapy. For example, an SLT will provide therapy for:
- Speech – The sounds people make/produce e.g. voice problems, stammering, speech sound
- Language – The language people use to express themselves and what people understand of the language they hear e.g. Difficulties in understanding, attention and listening
- Communication – The exchange of information/ideas from one person to another. Effective communication occurs only if the receiver understands the information or idea that the sender intended to communicate e.g. Social interaction, AAC systems
So, if you chose to have a speech and language therapist to support your child they would get therapy that was designed and planned to target the specific issues your child is experiencing – there is no set structure. Social interaction is a big part of what a SLT will do and they will also work on any other speech, language, communication or eating difficulties the child may have to.
Here at Integrated Treatment Services (I.T.S) we have a team of highly experienced, friendly and enthusiastic Speech and Language Therapists who are able to give you the advice and support that you need. We can also offer a range of other therapies including, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and creative expressive therapists who are extremely skilled in working with children with autism.
To discuss the ways in which we could help your child you can contact us for a complimentary telephone consultation on: 0845 838 2921. Alternatively, you can email us on: info@integratedtreatments.co.uk.
