Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often show delays in language development. The causes include difficulties in social interaction, differences in sensory processing, and structural differences in neurodevelopment. In this post, we will look at the best strategies for children’s language development.
🧠 1Causes of language delay in autistic children
- Lack of joint attention: Language is typically learned through social engagement. Autistic children often have difficulty sharing attention with others. (Kasari et al., 2008)
- Sensory processing differences: Oversensitivity or under-responsiveness to auditory or visual stimuli can interfere with language input. (NIDCD)
- Restricted interests and inflexibility: Intense focus on specific interests can limit opportunities for social communication. This affects children indirectly by limiting their opportunities for social interaction, rather than directly delaying their language development. This situation can reduce opportunities for contextual interaction where language can be learned. Consequently, it can slow down language development.
- Neurological differences in language networks: Brain imaging studies show atypical connectivity in language-related areas. (Nature Neuroscience, 2013)
🔗 2. The Interconnection Between Language and Overall Development
Language development is closely tied to cognitive, emotional, social, and motor development:
- Gestures (Nonverbal elements like gestures, facial expressions, bubbling & etc) → Words → Sentences. Communication often progresses from nonverbal gestures to words. It then develops into sentences. (Raising Children Network)
- Symbolic play and language: As children engage in pretend play, their use of language becomes more imaginative and expressive.
- Emotional regulation and language: A child must be able to regulate emotions to express them meaningfully through language.
💬 3. Language vs. Communication: Understanding the Difference
Some autistic children can have large vocabularies but still struggle with functional communication.
- Language refers to words, grammar, and sentence structure.
- Communication includes gestures, facial expressions, and meaningful social interaction.
Repeating words (echolalia) without communicative intent may indicate limited actual connection.
“What a child needs is not just words, but meaningful connection.” –Dr. Stanley Greenspan, ICDL
🗣️ 4. Talking vs. Conversation
Being verbal doesn’t guarantee conversational ability. Many autistic children speak in repetitive or one-sided ways.
- Talking may involve scripted phrases or topic monologues.
- Conversation requires responsiveness, topic maintenance, and emotional exchange.
Floortime focuses on nurturing a child’s intention to communicate and emotional connection.
🌟 5 Best Floortime Strategies for Supporting Language
1) Follow the Child’s Lead
- Join in the child’s preferred activity or interest.
- Avoid commands; instead, allow the child to take the lead.
- Example: If the child lines up cars, join by rolling a car alongside them to build joint engagement.
📚 Resource: Affect autism
At first, the key is to follow the child’s interests and what they like. It is to continuously deliver the message that you want to be with them in a shared world. When the child opens the door, we can enter the child’s world. We then come out into a world where we hold hands. Together, we walk.
2) Provide Developmentally Appropriate Challenges
- Scaffold interactions just above the child’s current skill level.
- Example: When your child reaches for something, say “this?” and point to the ball. If your child expresses it non-verbally, give them the ball. Or you can say “ball/” or “give me the ball.”
- Be careful not to forcefully say ” follow me,” “say ball please! ” or “do as I say” when your child asks for the ball. Maintain a flow of natural and enjoyable interactions!
💡 Key concept: Ask and want while connected and engaged. And always challenge
3) Use your full Emotional Affect
- Use animated facial expressions, gestures, and tone.
- Example: When blocks fall, say “Uh-oh! It crashed!” with expressive intonation.
🎓 Resource: Stanley Greenspan, Engaging Autism
4) Expand Circles of Communication
- Keep the interaction going by responding and waiting for the child to respond again.
- Example: If the child says “more,” you reply, “You want more bubbles? Okay!” and wait for their reaction.
🔁 Core concept: Repeated “communication circles” strengthen engagement.
5) Encourage Symbolic and Pretend Play
- Use toys imaginatively (e.g., pretend a block is a phone).
- This fosters abstract thinking and understanding that words are symbols.
🎭 Resource: reflectparenting.com – Symbolic Play in Floortime
🧰 6. Comparing Traditional Language Therapy Approaches
ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)
- Uses reinforcement to teach specific language behaviors.
- Pros: Clear targets like requesting and labeling
- Cons: May lack spontaneity and context relevance
PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System)
- Enables nonverbal children to request and communicate using pictures.
- Pros: Immediate way to communicate needs
- Cons: May not naturally expand into conversation
JASPER, Hanen, ESDM
- Combine developmental principles with behavioral structure
- Emphasize natural play, engagement, and goal-oriented teaching
📘 Source: Kasari, C. et al. (2008). “Making the connection: Randomized controlled trial of joint attention intervention for children with autism.”
🚫 7. Language Teaching Methods to Avoid
- Forcing speech or eye contact
- Excessive correction or rigid feedback
- Ignoring alternative forms of communication (gestures, AAC, sign language)
- Drilling words without context (e.g., flashcards without social engagement)
🚫 Reference: Ann Memmott, Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism, “Stop Traumatizing Autistic Children”
💡 8. Final Reflections and Practical Tips
Floortime is not about teaching isolated words, but about helping the child form emotional and communicative bonds.
- 🎯 Acknowledge and respond to the child’s emotions.
- 🎯 Allow time for the child to initiate or respond. (Wait, Watch, Wonder)
- 🎯 Prioritize meaningful interaction over perfect speech.
🔗 Recommended Resources
- ICDL: https://www.icdl.com
- Stanley Greenspan Floortime: https://stanleygreenspan.com
- Affect Autism: https://affectautism.com/blog/
- ASHA: https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/Autism/
- NIDCD: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/autism-spectrum-disorder-communication-problems-children
- Kasari C. et al. (2008): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18563976/
- Dr. Tomato https://dr-tomato.com/blog/
The first step in helping a child connect with the world is to see and accept them as they are. Connection comes before correction. That is the heart of Floortime.
