What is the recommended duration for speech therapy for autistic children?

The Drexel University study suggests that longer periods of therapy, ranging from six months to two years, are associated with better outcomes for autistic children learning to speak.

How many autistic children in the study developed spoken language?

Two-thirds of the autistic preschoolers in the Drexel University study who received speech intervention therapies developed spoken language.

Which therapies are effective for autistic children's speech development?

Therapies like the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), which uses play and relationships, and TEACCH, which employs visual cues and organization, have shown benefits for autistic children's speech.

Home / Health / Longer Speech Therapy Boosts Autistic Kids' Talk

Longer Speech Therapy Boosts Autistic Kids' Talk

28 Jan

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Summary

Extended speech therapy, not intensity, linked to better outcomes.
Two-thirds of autistic children in study learned to speak.
Drexel University study followed over 700 preschoolers with autism.

Longer Speech Therapy Boosts Autistic Kids' Talk

Research from Drexel University indicates that prolonged participation in speech and language therapies can substantially improve spoken language development in autistic children. A study involving over 700 preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder found that two-thirds of the children who received therapy for at least six months developed spoken language. The findings suggest that the duration of therapy, rather than its intensity, is a key factor in positive outcomes for children with speech difficulties.

therapies like the Early Start Denver Model and TEACCH, which focus on play-based learning and structured environments, were employed. These methods aim to boost language through positive relationships and organized routines. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, noted that children who were able to imitate sounds and actions early on also showed a higher propensity for language advancement.