In our journey to understand and support our son, a pivotal question plaguing us was: can a speech therapist diagnose autism? We had been going to a speech therapist already because of language delays. But could they perform an autism diagnosis.
This query led us down an enlightening path, starting with a frank discussion with a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) for a language assessment as part of the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessment procedure.
At that time, our son was already undergoing various therapies, a proactive step we took amidst a sea of uncertainties. Despite these ongoing interventions, the complete picture of his developmental needs was still not in focus.
This step towards engaging with an SLP was more than just a routine assessment; it was a crucial juncture that promised to shed light on many of our lingering questions about his speech and communication development.
In this blog, I want to share our experience with the SLP and explore the critical role speech therapists play in diagnosing autism.
The Early Signs and Questions
The SLP began with what seemed like simple queries: ‘When did your child say his first words?’ I recalled with clarity, ‘He was 1 year and 3 months old.’ Then came the next question, ‘When did he start saying ‘mama’, ‘papa’, or other common words?’ My answer felt heavy as I uttered, ‘He only started saying ‘mama’ and ‘papa’ after beginning ABA therapy recently, around 2 years and 4 months old.
She asked about his cooing and babbling stages, to which I responded affirmatively, confirming that these early vocalizations were present. This information, along with the rest of our discussion, was critical in her assessment, shedding light on the nuances of his early communication development.
Each question seemed to unravel a thread in the tapestry of our son’s language development. The therapist listened intently as I shared that his first utterances were not the typical ‘mama’ or ‘dada’ but ‘Twinkle twinkle little star.’ I remember how these words, which once filled me with awe at his unique development, now rang in the room with a different tone.
The SLP gently explained that these were not just signs of language delay, but they were indicative of ASD-related language challenges. It was a revelation.
To this day, as my son is over 6 years old, we continue to navigate through his language comprehension and social language difficulties. He still faces challenges in initiating social interactions appropriately. Yet, with each speech therapy session, he shows progress.
Understanding the Role of Speech Therapists in Autism Diagnosis
When the speech therapist first suggested that my son’s language patterns might be indicative of autism, it opened a new chapter in our understanding. It was a moment that highlighted the vital role speech therapists play in the autism diagnostic process.
I learned that an SLP is not just about helping children learn to speak. They are trained to notice the subtle nuances in communication patterns that might elude even the most attentive parents. They look beyond the surface, assessing not only the ability to form words but also the use of language for social communication, the understanding and responding to verbal and non-verbal cues, and the pragmatics – the art of conversational language.
She observed how my son interacted, how he played, and how he expressed himself. She noted his echolalia (which could mean a sign of high-functioning autism). Echolalia is the repetition of phrases and words – and his challenges in using language spontaneously and appropriately in social contexts. These observations were crucial in forming a more comprehensive view of his developmental profile.
This experience taught me that speech therapists play a crucial role in the diagnostic team for autism.
Why Speech Pathology is Involved in Diagnosis
Autism is not just a disorder of speech but of communication and social interaction. The nuances of these challenges are where speech pathologists excel.
Speech therapists assess more than just the ability to pronounce words. They look at how a child uses language to communicate needs, share emotions, and interact with others. They evaluate receptive language (understanding) and expressive language (speaking), which are often areas of difficulty for children with autism.
For instance, my son could recite lines from his favorite songs and books, but using words to express his needs or feelings was a challenge. He struggled to understand questions and follow simple instructions. These were signs that his comprehension and use of language were not developing typically.
Understanding these aspects of communication is vital for diagnosing autism because social communication deficits are a core characteristic of the condition.
Through the course of our sessions, the value of speech pathology in understanding and diagnosing autism became increasingly clear. It’s not just about how many words a child can say or how clearly they can speak them. It’s about how they use language as a tool to connect with the world around them.
The Transformative Power of Speech Therapy
Initially, the progress was subtle – a new word here, a small phrase there. But over time, these small victories began to weave into a larger tapestry of communication. At 6 years old, he’s still undergoing speech therapy, but the strides he’s made are undeniable. His language comprehension, once a field of confusion, is now blossoming with understanding. Social interactions, which used to be a maze of complexities, are slowly becoming more navigable for him.
The beauty of tailored speech therapy is in its ability to adapt to his specific needs. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach; it’s a journey tailored to his pace, his strengths, and his challenges.
Reflections on the Journey and Looking Ahead
Witnessing my son’s growth and his gradual mastery of language has been one of the most rewarding aspects of parenthood.
We still have a long road ahead, but the progress we’ve seen fuels our hope for the future. The challenges of autism and speech delays have taught us patience, empathy, and the value of celebrating every small step. Our son’s journey with speech therapy has been more than just about forming words; it’s been about finding his way to express his unique self.