One of the frustrations teens with autism face is communicating with friends and family. They do not have the basic social skills necessary to pick up on subtle body language and tone nuances. One of the goals of speech therapy is to help teens improve their communication skills to talk with others and express their emotions effectively. A speech therapy program works on verbal and non-verbal communication skills to help your teen lead a more independent life.
At Camp Worth, we can help improve the communication skills of teen boys and girls aged 11-17 who feel frustration over not being understood. Our speech therapy program will work with your teen to help improve verbal, non-verbal, and social skills in a safe and encouraging environment. If you would like more information about our speech therapy program, call 855.915.2545 or fill out our online form to learn more about the goals of speech therapy for children with autism.
What Are the Goals of Speech Therapy for Children with Autism?
Enrolling your teen in a speech therapy program gives them the best chances of improving their verbal and non-verbal communication skills. While some teens with autism can learn well in a public school setting, others require more specialized training that focuses on their specific needs. A speech therapy program focuses on all types of communication, including:
- Verbal skills – Teens will work with educators to practice verbal communication skills, like personal greetings, making eye contact while speaking, and working on tone and volume. Music therapy is an excellent tool for helping teens with autism practice voice inflection.
- Non-verbal skills – Non-verbal communication skills can help those whose verbal skills are lacking or prefer to use other visual forms of communication. Visual aids and social stories can help build non-verbal communication skills for all levels of autism.
- Social skills – Teens with autism can be very social but lack the necessary skills to keep up with social gatherings. This can lead to frustration and potentially inappropriate touching or behavior as they struggle to communicate. A speech therapy program can improve their social skills in a social skills group program. Teens will practice their social skills with their peers and build up confidence in communication skills.
Benefits of a Speech Therapy Program
Improving your teen’s verbal and non-verbal communication skills is a vital step for them to have a healthier and more independent life. With improved communication skills, teens living with autism will reduce their negative behavior by learning to communicate their feelings and emotions effectively.
The benefits of enrolling your teen in a speech therapy program include:
- Speaking more clearly
- Strengthening the mouth, jaw, and neck muscles
- Matching emotions with correct facial expressions
- Understanding of body language
- Responding to questions properly
- Improving tone modulation
Technology has allowed for a new way of non-verbal communication through electronic devices such as your cellphone, tablet, or other handheld devices. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is a technology-assisted form of non-verbal communication that can expand communication and increase social interaction.
Camp Worth’s Programs and Services
At Camp Worth, we work with teen boys and girls aged 11-17 in the Ft. Worth, TX, area. Our certified therapists and educators will work with your children to improve their communication skills through our speech therapy program. We provide a holistic approach to your teen’s education and treatment, with programs to help with all aspects of their autism, such as:
- Individual and group therapy
- Recreational therapy
- Family counseling
- Social skills groups
- Functional skills training
- Functional communication training
Enhance Your Teen’s Communication with Camp Worth’s Speech Therapy Program
If your teen struggles with verbal or non-verbal communication, reach out to Camp Worth. Our team of experts is ready to help your teen improve their communication skills. Complete our online form or call 855.915.2545 today to discuss the goals of speech therapy for children with autism and how they can help your teen succeed.
