Autism and Delayed Speech (4 Tips)

Autism and delayed speech is a concern for many families, teachers and therapists. If you are looking for fun ways to build communication skills then you are in the right place. For my best collection of activities that build communication skills for parents, teachers and therapists, get my autism activities workbook bundle.

Autism and delayed speech

Delayed speech is one of the foundational signs linked to an autism diagnosis. All people with autism will struggle with learning communication skills at some point on their lives.

If you are a parent, teacher or therapist working on building communication skills with your little learners, I hope you will find the communication resources I’ve put together for you helpful.

Use these resources to learn how to teach an autistic child to speak.

Teach adapted sign language

Adapted sign language for individuals with autism is a simplified form of sign language based on the concept of Verbal Behavior.

It provides a clear, visual, physical sign for each word.

It is easy to use, easy to teach and will empower your child or students to communicated from day one. I have used it with hundreds of students and the results are incredible.

Get started with my free signing poster.

Use visual support

Using a visual schedule is one of the most important first steps in teaching a child with autism to communicate.

Visual schedules have many benefits, including providing a visual presentation of verbal language, increasing organization and joy throughout the day while decreasing stress and frustration.

They are completely customizable, can be used across various environments and situations and increase the number of opportunities for learning throughout the day.

The simplest visual schedule I’ve used for years is the first then visual schedule.

Speak using simple sentences

Make it easier for your child or students to understand you by using simple, direct sentences rather than long, descriptive sentences.

Work on “get the sweater” before “go get your blue sweater that’s lying on your bed”. Remember, your little one needs to decipher and comprehend every word in your sentence.

Make that task as easy as possible when he or she is first learning language for best results.

Engage your learner in activities throughout the day

Everyone learns through stimulation and the environment. This is true for children (and adults) on the autism spectrum as well, they just need a little more adapted help to learn communication skills.

Preparing and presenting adapted activities throughout the day is essential to teach communication skills.

I created my Autism Activities Workbook Bundle to help parents, teachers and therapists have adapted activities that I have personally used with autistic children to teach new skills. There is an entire printable workbook filled with activities that work to teach communication skills included in the bundle.

The best part is one your purchase, you get immediate access to all the printable activities so you can start using them right now!

More Autism and Delayed Speech Learning Resources

The Successful Interaction with a Child with Autism Course – learn to better understand your autistic child or students with this complete course.
Autism Activities Workbook Bundle – build communication skills, fine motor skills, sensory play skills and daily living skills, while helping your child or students to successfully manage any difficult behaviors, with these fun, educational, printable activities.
Fall Autism Activities Bundle – a collection of Fall themed printable autism activities to help you build communication skills, fine motor skills, sensory play skills and daily living skills, while helping your child or students to successfully manage any difficult behaviors.
Sensory Communication Workbook – Build communication skills with simple sensory activities.
How to Make a Communication Binder Guide & Workbook – Learn how to create a Communication Binder for your child or student with autism using real photos. Follow my expert guide to learn how to use it to increase communication skills.
Zoo Animals Play Dough Mats Bundle – use these printable play dough mat to work on the names of the animals, build language skills, and increase fine motor strength and precision in a fun, sensory way!