The Importance of Language and Communication

Question 1

General language development is a continuous process that occurs among children during their early lives. According to the development principle, new norms start to replace old forms as children start to express themselves through a certain common language (Kuder, 2018). Concerning autism, children find it hard to communicate with others. This is because autism among children significantly affects their ability to develop a language thereby having difficulties in understanding or speaking languages.

Question 2

Difficulties in communication are some of the signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among children. One way of assessing communication among children with ASD is through formal testing. This assessment involves formal and standardized means that work towards the establishment of communicative acts among children (Steiner et al., 2016). The second assessment method is by observation of natural communicative activities to establish the difference. This method is significant in identifying the best way of communication if the original speech has not yet been mastered.

Question 3

Evidence-based practices are practices that depend on scientific evidence for direction and decision making. All the scientific evidence under evidence-based practices is aimed at ensuring that there is enough patient care (Correa-de-Aujo, 2016). It involves healthcare professionals worldwide who strive to implement and use tested and approved standards to care for children with ASD.

Question 4

One of the major interventions which can be used to enhance communication for children with ASD is the adoption of augmentative and alternative communication alternative (AAC). This comprises various non-verbal communication modes to help children with ASD improve speech and language skills (Brignell, 2016). Another intervention is modeling a common language to help children with ASD develop communication. This can be achieved through the formulation of sign languages that can be combined with other related communication gestures to be effective.

Question 5

Dealing with the behavior of children with ASD can be challenging especially in communication. This is because controlling children with ASD is hard as they do not understand the common language used. They tend to behave in a manner that shows the negative impact of ASD resulting in weakness in communication. Learned language skills can be maintained and generalized because of its vital role in developing communication among children with ASD. It is because it enables children to acquire new language skills and communication in general.

References

Brignell, A., Song, H., Zhu, J., Suo, C., Lu, D., & Morgan, A. T. (2016). Communication intervention for autism spectrum disorders in minimally verbal children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews . 1-19. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012324.

Correa-de-Araujo R. (2016). Evidence-Based Practice in the United States: Challenges, Progress, and Future Directions.  Health Care for Women International ,  37 (1), 2–22. doi:10.1080/07399332.2015.1102269. 

Kuder, J. S. (2018). Teaching students with language and communication disabilities (5 th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc. 

Steiner, A. M., Goldsmith, T. R., Snow, A. V., & Chawarska, K. (2012). Practitioner's guide to assessment of autism spectrum disorders in infants and toddlers.  Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders ,  42 (6), 1183–1196. doi:10.1007/s10803-011-1376-9.