Speech Therapy

Speech therapy is a key intervention for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders. It aims to improve communication skills, both in terms of language and social communication.
Sitaray, our speech therapy department comprises of specialist speech pathologists who are fully trained in assessment and intervention procedures for children and adults with ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Some key components of speech therapy at Sitaray are:
-
Assessment: The first step in our speech therapy programme is to conduct a thorough assessment of the child’s communication abilities. This assessment helps identify strengths and areas of need, which informs the development of a tailored therapy plan.
​
-
Communication Goals: Our speech therapists work with children with neurodevelopmental disorders to set specific communication goals. These goals may include improving verbal language skills, enhancing non-verbal communication (such as gestures and facial expressions), or developing alternative communication methods (e.g., using augmentative and alternative communication systems or devices).
​
-
Language Development: For individuals with limited verbal communication, speech therapy can focus on building a foundational vocabulary, teaching basic sentence structure, and expanding language skills. For those with some verbal language, therapy may target more advanced language concepts and social pragmatics.
​
-
Social Communication: Our speech therapists use key skills such as initiating and maintaining conversations, understanding non-verbal cues (like eye contact and body language), and taking turns in conversations, that are often a central focus for individuals with ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders. This can help improve their ability to engage in meaningful social interactions.
​
-
Articulation and Intelligibility: Some individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders may struggle with articulation and pronunciation, making their speech difficult to understand. Our speech therapists work on improving their speech sound production and clarity.
​
-
Alternative Communication Systems: For individuals with severe communication challenges, speech therapy may involve teaching and using alternative communication systems. These systems can include picture exchange systems, communication boards, or speech-generating devices. Our speech therapists work with children who need to utilize alternative communication systems to enable them to communicate effectively.
-
Reducing Echolalia: Echolalia, the repetition of words or phrases heard from others, is common in individuals with ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Our Speech therapists address this by teaching children to use language functionally and reduce repetitive speech.
​
-
Functional Communication: Our speech therapists focus on helping children with neurodevelopmental disorders express their needs, wants, and emotions effectively. This includes teaching them how to request items, share information, and express themselves in various situations.
​
-
Parent and Caregiver Training: Our speech therapists often work with parents and caregivers to provide strategies and techniques for supporting the individual's communication development at home and in various settings.
​
-
Generalization and Maintenance: Our speech therapists help ensure that communication skills generalize to different environments and are maintained over time. This involves practicing skills in real-life situations and with various communication partners.