Answer
Communication problems have a negative impact on a child's ability to learn. Your nonverbal child must have a way to effectively communicate.
Speech is a way to communication that takes place in a social context. For children with autism, communication and social skills are interdependent.
Before the IEP team can develop an appropriate communication program, they must obtain a comprehensive assessment of your child's communication abilities. Your child needs services from a specialist who can teach him a functional method of communication.
An appropriate intervention program includes several elements:
- Develops communicative intent
- Establishes an efficient and appropriate way (form) to communicate
- Expands the range of communicative functions or purposes
- Develops the ability to respond to and initiate communication
- Develops strategies to repair breakdowns in communication
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