Best Treatment for Autism at Bangalore | Plexus

According to Autism diagnostic manuals like Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, International Classification of Diseases, and the Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism, one of the biggest red flags of Autism is social communication difficulties. Children with autism may appear to be rigid and unyielding, and can even exhibit repetitive behaviours. Owing to this complex range of symptoms, Autism is now called Autism Spectrum Disorder.

But while parents and caregivers worry about an Autism diagnosis and how their child’s future may be affected by it, the child themselves will be battling through communication challenges. Imagine a play date between 3-4 toddlers, where one of them may be on the spectrum. This child will not be able to engage in pretend to play with their peers, may not be able to hold conversations with them, may not even understand social cues and partake in other games and activities.

Through this blog, we aim to elucidate the different communication strategies that can help a child with Autism to be a better contributing member of a social group. These strategies also help in managing other behavioural challenges that are part of Autism.

Understanding ASD

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a range of neurodevelopmental conditions that impact the child’s behaviour, social skills, and communication skills.

While early detection can be difficult, ASD usually starts manifesting in children between the ages of 2 and 4 years. In many cases, the first signs (red flags) can be seen in children as young as 6 to 18 months. There are symptoms related to communication, social skills, and behaviour that become even stronger as the child reaches 2 years of age.

Effects of autism on communication and behaviour

There are 4 types of communication that neurotypical individuals can engage in with ease. They are:

• Language - the ability to understand and use words effectively to convey meaning
• Speech - the ability to use sounds to make words

Speech is different from language. The former is the use of sounds, while the latter is the use of words. They need not always be mutually inclusive.

• Non-verbal communication - Using gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, etc.
• Pragmatics - Communicating in a social setting by understanding social cues like turn-taking. It also includes understanding how language has to be used in different contexts, like greeting another person, making requests, etc.

Children with Autism will find nearly all of the above to be challenging. They may not be able to produce the right sounds and words in a particular social setting. They may not be able to communicate in a non-verbal manner. Many times, children with autism are misunderstood as being rigid and rude simply because they don't know how to communicate well enough. Not understanding social cues in a family gathering, not being able to tell the difference between sarcasm and genuineness - all of these are typical of children with autism.

Parents and caregivers need to keep an eye out for the below symptoms related to communication:

• Using more gestures instead of speaking
• Having little to no eye contact in social situations
• Speaking in a flat or monotone voice
• Unable to read/follow social cues

Other behavioural challenges faced by children with Autism include:

• Focusing only on one topic to the point of obsession
• Displaying minimal to no interest in socialising
• Lacking empathy
• Unable to make friends
• Unable to take part in pretend/imaginative play
• Engaging in repetitive motions that can be self-harming or self-destructive, like continuously banging head on the wall

Strategies for effective communication

Autism can rob the child of the chance to become an integral and contributing member of a social group. Therefore, it is only fair that we give these children a chance to be more than what their diagnosis suggests.

Let’s take a look at some of the most widely recommended strategies for effective communication.

Visual Support Techniques (photographs, illustrations, signboards, etc.)

Children on the spectrum are not entirely adept at non-verbal communication. Communication boards can help them relate more to the world around them, make conversations with others, and even express themselves better. Simple DIY flashcards that depict different kinds of emotions can be a powerful tool to help them understand their own feelings better. Photo collages or two/three piece photo puzzles can help them recognise family members, animals, plants, parts of the body, etc. A board featuring photographs of different items in the kitchen can be a good way to help them identify different objects, as well as help in gross and fine motor development.

Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

By using images to express thoughts and represent requests, children with Autism can effectively communicate their individual needs, especially to their family member, therapist, school teacher, etc.

Through this method, children with autism can learn how to request for their most preferred items in a much more efficient and quick manner.

Speech Generating Devices (SGDs)

A speech generating device produces speech for the child (to learn) through alphabet keys and/or visual symbols. It empowers the child to create speech and also eases social interactions.

Sign Language

Not always the most preferred method since it requires some amount of dexterity (which may be a challenge for children with Autism), sign language offers children a way to express themselves quickly and in detail. Unfortunately, not everyone is well-versed in sign language. Children may find it difficult to effectively communicate with someone who isn’t familiar with this style of communication.

Behavioural therapies that support communication

When a child with autism is unable to communicate effectively, they may become frustrated. This frustration may pour out in the form of vocal outbursts or other inappropriate behaviours too.

As part of the treatment plan for Autism, doctors recommend behavioural therapies to support communication and help the child make sense of the world around them.

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular behavioural therapies applied worldover.

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)

Through this therapy, children are taught to manage and modify certain behaviours, overcome social inhibitions, and participate in a smoother learning process. Part of this therapy includes a rewards system that appreciates ‘good’ behaviour and ignores negative behaviours.

This therapy can also be implemented at home.

Relationship Development Intervention (RDI)

This therapy works to help the child understand social cues, navigate social interactions, and even participate in community activities. The child learns to interpret body language, read facial expressions, and also improve eye contact with others in a group setting. The extended family plays a critical role in this particular therapy, as they make up a large portion of the child’s social environment.

Sensory Integration Therapy

Hypersensitivity to light, sounds, textures, and other kinds of sensory stimulation is a common challenge for children with autism. Through sensory integration therapy, your child’s therapist will gradually introduce different kinds of stimulus into your child’s routine. The pace of the introduction is purely driven by the child. It is done so in a manner that does not overwhelm the child. The purpose of this therapy is to help the child be more participative in social settings without being overly bothered by external stimuli.

Plexus treatment program for Autism

The Plexus treatment program for Autism is a holistic approach to help your child live their best life despite an Autism diagnosis. As part of the best autism treatment, the program is tailored to suit your child’s needs and lifestyle. We also offer a wide range of therapies and treatments that will help them be better participants in social settings.

Our treatment plans include:

• Sensory integration therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Behaviour retraining therapy
• Cognitive behaviour therapy
• Social skills training
• Improved awareness
• Speech therapy
• Reduction in hyperactivity

To book an appointment with us, please call on

+91 89048 42087 | 080-2546 0886

080-2547 0886 | 080-2549 0886

FAQsHow to improve communication skills of individuals with autism?

Visual support techniques (like communication boards), picture exchange communication systems, speech generating devices, and use of sign language have been known to improve communication skills of children with autism.

Who is the first enemy of communication?

In the case of children with autism, noise (especially from any external stimulus) can become a hindrance to communication.

What are 3 good communication skills?

Verbal communication, non-verbal communication (gestures, eye contact, etc.), and visual communication (use of visual aids to convey messages) are 3 important communication skills. Out of these three, visual communication cues have been known to improve verbal and non-verbal communication skills of children with autism.

What is the best communication strategy?

Visual support techniques like flashcards, signboards, illustrations, photo albums, etc. can vastly improve the communication skills of a child with autism.

What are communication methods with autism?

Use of specific words, repetition, and emphasis are what most speech language pathologists will recommend for children with autism.

Why is communication so hard with autism?

Communication is not only about producing speech. It is also about listening to others, taking cues from social situations, reading facial expressions, understanding tone of voice, etc. A child with autism will have a hard time with all of the above. Very often, older children with autism become self-conscious and find it even more challenging to be a part of social interactions.

What games help with communication skills?

Interactive games, card games, building blocks, guessing games (pictionary), etc. are fun games that can urge children to speak! Most of these games are two or more person games. This helps the children understand turn-taking, follow directions, build negotiation skills, and so on.

A highly regarded neurologist and stem cell specialist, Dr Na’eem Sadiq studied neurology and clinical neurophysiology in London before working with some of England’s and the Middle East’s most prestigious medical institutions. He completed his MBBS