Speech and Language Therapy

The Speech and Language Therapist (SALT) at Beechwood works to assess, diagnose and develop an individualised programme which maximises the communication potential of each student. The SALT usually works on the following areas when working with a person with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD):

• Listening and attention skills
• Social skills and understanding
• Conversation skills
• Understanding of language
• Receptive and expressive language skills

Young people with ASD often have difficulties understanding and using social communication, such as body language, gestures, facial expressions, tone of voice, rate and fluency of speech. They may also experience problems understanding some specific aspects of language such as sarcasm or metaphors, taking these very literally.

Young people with ASD who do not communicate verbally are unlikely to speak in the future. Therefore, any therapy offered by a SALT focuses on encouraging students to communicate using an alternative method of communication such as signing or the use of symbols or pictures, as well as speech. Without these means of communication, a young person may find it difficult to express themselves, often leading to high levels of frustration and anxiety.