Expressive Communication

Expressive communication encompasses the variety of ways to deliver a message. Expressive language skills are comprised of learning the forms of language, and the content of language which cues an event to be connected clearly. One of the distinguishing features of autism is a deficit in communication. Since Autism is a spectrum disorder the level of severity can vary greatly, but many individuals with Autism struggle to communicate their wants and needs.

Challenges students with autism face are difficulties understanding spoken word, and that words are connect to objects. Students with autism will sometimes engage in echolalia which is when they repeat what they hear over and over. Nonverbal communication is hard for students with autism to understand.

 Things such as facial expressions are typically acquired spontaneously while language develops, but mean nothing to a student with Autism. They often  do not understand unless they are taught things like people smile when they are happy or frown then they are upset and will frequently have blank expressions. These are just a couple of the many challenges individuals with Autism face.

 PECS are one of the many teaching strategies you could use to improve expressive communication. They help students build a communication system which enables them to meet various needs like expressing what they want to eat for lunch via picture exchange.



Resources Below
http://communitycounselingservices.org/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=8764&cn=20

Images Found At
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