Using sculpturing during speech therapy sessions in order to involve a child with ASD in joint activities

Abstract

Children with autism spectrum disorders often have particular hardships in participating in joint activities with an adult. This makes interventions more problematic and draws back the achievement of planned educational goals. At the early stages of speech therapy, the important goal of individual sessions with the majority of children with autism spectrum disorders is not speech development in itself but developing motivation for joint activities. To ensure successful interaction between an educator and a child, different techniques can be used, including those that are not typical for speech therapy sessions, for example, sculpturing as a preferred activity with enjoyable sensory input. The article describes tips for developing rapport with children with autistic disorders, and a strategy for involving them in joint activities and further development of their speech.

Keywords

• autism spectrum disorders
• motivation for activity
• speech development
• joint activities
• productive activities
• fine motor functions
• sculpturing