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What is Speech Therapy: Understanding How Play Builds Communication

  • Getting Started

As parents of a non-verbal autistic son, our early journey with therapies felt a bit daunting. When “early intervention” and “speech therapy” were mentioned for our two-year-old, I’ll admit I was uneasy and skeptical. What would they do with such a young child?

What we quickly discovered, however, was a profoundly different experience than my initial worries. Speech-Language Therapy (SLT), often simply called Speech Therapy (ST), became a vital guide, not just for our son, but for us as parents too. It shifted from something mysterious to a source of practical tools and understanding that was fun for our son. I was also able to attend all of the therapy sessions which was a relief and actually helped me as a parent as well.

What is Speech Therapy, Really?

At its heart, Speech-Language Therapy is about empowering communication. It’s a healthcare profession focused on helping people of all ages develop the skills to connect with the world around them. While the name implies “speech,” it’s much broader. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are experts in how we use and understand language in all its forms – from words and gestures to communication devices.

For autistic individuals, ST is tailored to their unique communication styles. It can support the development of spoken language, or help refine social communication skills, whether a person is non-verbal, minimally verbal, or highly verbal.

How Speech Therapy Works: More Than Just Words

Speech Therapists use a variety of strategies to help autistic individuals communicate effectively. Crucially, especially for younger children like our son, these sessions are often play-based. This means incorporating a child’s natural interests into activities that feel like fun, not work. We saw firsthand how an SLP could turn a simple toy or game into an opportunity to practice turn-taking, make a request, or respond to a sound.

Here are examples of what an SLP might focus on:

  • Expressing Needs and Thoughts: Helping individuals share what they want, think, or feel through words, gestures, sign language, or communication devices (like AAC – Augmentative and Alternative Communication apps or boards).
  • Understanding Language: Improving the ability to comprehend what others are saying, follow directions, and grasp concepts.
  • Clear Speech: Addressing challenges with making sounds or speaking smoothly, ensuring messages are easily understood.
  • Social Communication: This is a big one for many autistic people. SLPs work on skills like starting conversations, understanding body language, taking turns, and adapting communication for different social situations.
  • Feeding and Swallowing: For some, sensory sensitivities or motor challenges can affect eating. SLPs who are trained in this area can also help with safe and comfortable feeding.

Beyond working directly with your child, a significant part of speech therapy is empowering parents and caregivers. Our SLP didn’t just work with our son; she taught us invaluable ways to interact with him. We learned how to:

  • Create Communication Opportunities: Setting up our home environment and daily routines to encourage interaction.
  • Play Meaningfully: Learning how to engage in ways that our son enjoyed and from which he naturally learned and grew.

This guidance transformed our interactions and gave us more confidence as his parents.

The Goal: Connection, Independence, and Authentic Voice

Ultimately, Speech-Language Therapy aims to empower individuals to communicate effectively and meaningfully, leading to greater independence, connection, and a richer quality of life. It strives to:

  • Enhance Connection: Building stronger bonds with family and friends.
  • Increase Independence: Enabling self-advocacy and fuller participation in daily life.
  • Boost Self-Expression: Providing tools to share unique perspectives and creativity.
  • Reduce Frustration: Offering ways to communicate needs, reducing anxiety and upsets.
  • Support Life Skills: Strengthening language skills crucial for school, work and everyday life.

Speech-Language Therapy is so much more than just teaching words. For our family, it became about opening doors to understanding and being understood, helping our son – and us – discover his authentic voice and navigate the world with greater ease and joy.

Disclaimer: This blog post shares general information and personal experiences about Speech-Language Therapy. It is not intended to be medical advice, and you should always consult with a qualified speech- language pathologist or healthcare professional for a diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your child’s specific needs.

Next blog in this series: Occupational Therapy: Building Everyday Skills Through Practical Support