A Hope for Non-Verbal Children
Nadia Shanab | Uncategorized7 May 2013
According to “Autistica”, 24% of autistic children are non-verbal or minimally verbal. Researchers at the University of Bermingham, UK, supported by “Autistica” found that:
1- The learning of a language is tightly related to motor behaviors (like knocking a toy), and the imitation of facial experssions or gestures. The imitation of gestures and facial expressions is also called “motor mirroring”.
2- Children with autism have poor social skills and poor mirroring skills. Which may explain now their poor verbal skills.
3- That also explains why the picture-exchange (PECS) technique is effective, since no motor skills is required. (PECS means Picture Exchange Communication System),
4- On the other hand, sign language is not very effective because no motor skills is involved in the process.
5- New studies considering motor skills combined with speech and language intevention are showing great poromising results.
6- Play-based techniques are successful.
Please read the full article here.
nadia shanab
Tags: autism, communication, occupational therapy, parenting, research, social interaction, symptoms of autism, techniques
