Speech and Language Therapy: Key Strategies for Children with Autism
For many children with autism, communication challenges are among the most significant barriers to independence and social inclusion. At Unity College in Johannesburg – a school specialising in special needs education – we see daily how targeted speech and language therapy for autism can unlock a pupil’s ability to connect, express themselves, and flourish.
Early intervention is absolutely vital, though. Research shows that starting therapy as early as possible (especially for moderate to severe presentations) can dramatically improve outcomes.
A meta-analysis of 60 studies found that interventions like speech therapy led to meaningful gains in expressive language (using words) over receptive language (understanding words), particularly in young children aged 0–8. And according to the UK’s Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, around 79% of children who receive such support show marked improvement in at least one area: their communication abilities, their participation in learning or social settings, or the extent of their speech/language difficulties.
At Unity College, we integrate these findings into our approach every day.
How Does Speech Therapy Help Children with Autism?
Children with autism often experience delayed or atypical development across both verbal and non-speaking communication. Some may speak fluently but struggle with pragmatic use of language; others may be largely non-speaking but use Makaton or alternative methods like the picture exchange communication system.
Speech therapy for autistic children addresses this wide range by tailoring goals through Individual Development Plans (IDPs). These goals might include helping autistic children communicate basic needs more clearly, supporting verbal skills through structured play-based learning activities, or building confidence during peer interactions using role-play scenarios.
Our group sessions focus on practical outcomes aligned with age-appropriate expectations. We prioritise improving social communication in autism alongside functional vocabulary expansion – a balance that supports both immediate classroom participation and long-term development.
Techniques to Improve Communication in Nonverbal Children
Non-speaking autism doesn’t mean a lack of desire to connect. Rather, it often simply means conventional methods aren’t working yet. Our therapists at Unity College employ several well-researched tools for speech therapy at home and school:
- The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS): A visual aid toolkit that allows pupils to initiate conversations by exchanging images.
- Augmentative & Alternative Communication Devices: Including apps tailored for non-verbal users.
- Modelling paired with repetition: Showing a word repeatedly within different contexts helps link meaning without overwhelming processing systems.
- Sensory-friendly environments: Many autistic pupils respond best when external stimuli are minimised; our quiet country setting supports this naturally.
- Makaton: A language programme that uses hand gestures, signs, and symbols to support spoken language and enhance communication.
Over time, and sometimes quite suddenly, these techniques lead to breakthroughs in expressive ability while also reducing frustration-related behaviours tied directly to unmet communicative needs.
Supporting Long-Term Language Development
Language development in children with autism is rarely linear, but it is absolutely possible when approached holistically. At Unity College’s Early Intervention Centre right through to our Senior Phase programmes, each pupil benefits from consistent support matched closely to their developmental stage (not just chronological age) and always delivered within an empathetic framework that values progress over perfection.
We don’t expect every child’s voice will emerge verbally, but we do believe every voice deserves expression. That belief underpins everything from our IDPs right through to our collaborative work experience placements where real-world communication becomes part of meaningful adulthood preparation.
By combining evidence-based practice with personalised care plans rooted in empathy, Unity College gives pupils the confidence and tools to be heard on their own terms.
Learn more about our integrated therapy for children with autism and other challenges here.