Improving Social Communication in Children with High Functioning ASD Tonya Agostini Aspect Autism in Education Conference, Sydney 31 st July-1 st August, 2014
My Experiences with Language Learning and ASD Language and linguistics training (16 years ) A child with autism (13 years)/ss groups (5yrs) Autism Research and SLA (8 years) communication play skills behaviour food speech relationships self-care anxiety routines
Aims of the Workshop 1. Discuss how social communication is affected in people autism spectrum disorder 2. Review some key concepts about social communication 3. Discuss some Evidence-Based Social communication interventions teasy to use and accessible
How is Social Communication Affected in Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder Autism presents itself in two main ways: Deficits and delays in social communication and interactions Restricted interests and repetitive behaviours Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth ed. (DSM5) (APA, 2013)
Social Communication differences in Autism Spectrum Disorder Timing of Speech Differences Don t seem to hear speech in environment Abrupt entry and exit into conversations Long pauses in conversation Manner of Speech Differences Lack of eye contact Lack of use of gestures
Social Communication differences in Autism Spectrum Disorder Quality of Speech Differences Repetitive speech or echoing (echolalia) (e.g., reciting movie lines) restricted reasons for speaking Inappropriate topics, thinking aloud without thought of who is listening Quantity of Speech Differences Intense special interest talk (cars, movies) Talk for too long or do not talk not at all
Some Key Concepts about Social Communication
Types of Speech Acts
Direct vs. Indirect Speech Greeting: direct- Hello indirect- Nice weather today" Request: direct- Pass me the mashed potatoes?" indirect- I can t reach the mash potatoes" Complaint: direct- My steak is taking a long time to arrive indirect- Did they have to go and catch the cow?
Direct vs. Indirect Speech Invitation: direct- Will you come to my party on Saturday? Indirect- I m having a party Saturday night" Compliment : direct- I like your dress indirect- I d like a dress like that Refusal: direct- I can t come tonight indirect- I wish I could go"
Nonverbal Communication Facial expressions Natural gestures Cultural gestures Eye-contact Head-shaking and nodding Body posture
Why is Social Communication impaired in ASD? Theory of mind deficits (difficult to predict what others think) Weak Central Coherence tendencies (focus on details rather than big picture) Multisensory Information processing deficits (voice, facial expression, body language) Social Communication is multisensory and it is difficult for people with ASD to process what they see, hear, feel and smell all at the same time
Davy Jones Captain of Ghost Ship in Pirates of Carribean
She is showing interest, he keeps looking at the object
She sits down and joins in, he keeps his focus on the object
She adds to the object, he allows her to but does not shift his gaze
She shifts her body posture communicate face to face
She tries again to make face to face contact
She s feeling unsure, he s looking away talking
He still hasn t looked at her face, he continues reciting lines
She s showing her suggestion, he doesn t look at it or her
She adds her part, he seems to be wincing but allows it
Practical Strategies to Improve Social Communication in High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Evidence-Based Social Communication Interventions Social Stories and journals Video Modelling Social Skills Groups Prompting/cues (playdates)
Social Stories or Journaling Social Skills Flip Book Idea www.avspeechtherapy.com
Video Modelling-Sharing
Social Skills Groups Ideas Lego Robotics Software Billy Carts Bushwalking Craft Top Gear Cycling Games
Use prompts and cues to keep conversation flowing
Who can help? Parents (Daily interactions) Special Needs Teachers (Monitor at school) Psychologists (10 visit p.a. GP Mental Health Care Plan) Speech Pathologists Community Organisations e.g., ASPECT, Learning Links, Georges River Life Care run courses and social skills groups Helpful Courses Hanan More than Words for ASD (early years) Emotion-based Social Skills Training for ASD (8 yrs +) Cool kids for ASD (8 years +)
It s a Marathon Not a Sprint
Thank You for Listening Feel free to contact me about this topic or to discuss participating in my Italian L2 learning in Autism research project Tonya Agostini t.agostini@uws.edu.au