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.

The study evaluated children aged 15 months to five years, with an average age of three. Participants received therapy for six months to two years, approximately 10 hours per week. While many children showed progress, about one-third remained nonverbal, and half of those minimally speaking did not advance. Researchers noted that shorter therapy durations, even if more intensive, were less effective than longer, sustained interventions.