Interventions to Improve Communication in Autism

Authors

Rhea Paul, Sacred Heart UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-2008

Abstract

Children with autism benefit from intensive, early intervention that focuses on increasing the frequency, form, and function of communicative acts. Available evidence shows that highly structured behavioral methods have important positive consequences for these children, particularly in eliciting first words. However, the limitation of these methods in maintenance and generalization of skills suggests that many children with autism will need to have these methods supplemented with less adult-directed activities to increase communicative initiation and carry over learned skills to new settings and communication partners. Providing opportunities for mediated peer interactions with trained peers in natural settings seems to be especially important in maximizing the effects of this intervention.

Comments

At the time of publication Rhea Paul was affiliated with the Yale Child Study Center.

PMID: 18775373

DOI

10.1016/j.chc.2008.06.011

Recommended Citation

Paul, Rhea. "Interventions to Improve Communication in Autism." Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America 17 (2008): 835-856.