Online Speech Therapy for Adults With Autism
If you have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders or you are confused about Autism, you have come to the right place.
At Sounderic, we are passionate and committed to helping adults with Autism communicate more effectively. We want to navigate this journey with you and help you improve your social communication. You can schedule an online consultation with us.
What is Autism in adults?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) states the definition of Autism in adults as
1. Clinically significant, persistent deficits in social communication and interactions, as :
(a) Marked deficits in nonverbal and verbal communication used for social interaction;
(b) Lack of social reciprocity;
(c) Failure to develop/ maintain peer relationships appropriate to developmental level.
2. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, as :
(a) Stereotyped motor or verbal behaviors, or unusual sensory behaviors;
(b) Excessive adherence to routines and ritualized patterns of behavior;
(c) Restricted, fixated interests
3. Symptoms present in early childhood (but may not become fully manifest until social demands exceed limited capacities).
Autism in adults ranges in type and severity. It includes Autistic Disorder, Asperger Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), Rett Syndrome, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.
What are the challenges faced by an adult with Autism?
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Difficulty knowing how to initiate and sustain friendships
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Limited opportunities to form friendships
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Difficulty understanding social nuances and matching emotional expression to context
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Difficulty coping with large groups of people
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Difficulty understanding hidden curriculum and implicit rules
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Understanding and using nonverbal language
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Managing social aspects of group activities
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Managing anxiety about meeting people, making friends, fitting in
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Recognizing false friends who exploit trust and social naiveté
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Interpreting social cues
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Distinguishing between safe and risky environments and situations
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Negotiating physical, personal, and emotional space
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Coping with loneliness and social isolation
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The difficulty that individuals have with initiating interactions, establishing and maintaining healthy social interactions, and navigating social situations is further impacted in the transition to adulthood and in adulthood by the many new roles and expectations (Zaks, 2009). Without safe, healthy, and structured opportunities to access these social occupations, adults can feel isolated or be taken advantage of.
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Family interactions, friendships, romantic relationships, professional interactions, social networks, and recreational interactions get affected.
As a community of diverse individuals, we can all make a difference in how adults on the autism spectrum feel accepted, included, and supported.
Why Choose Sounderic for Online Speech Therapy For Adults with Autism?
Trained speech therapists
Open 6 days
a week
Affordable pricing
and plans
No waiting
lists
Easily schedule appointment
How does Sounderic help adults with Autism?
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Our services are designed to help adults with autism achieve their personal goals and be successful in higher education, personal life, and employment settings.
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We aim to individualize our services to each client’s unique needs and preferences.
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Example client goals: improving social communication, developing social connections within the workplace or in college, improving organization and time management skills, academics, and/or independent living skills.
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We also provide support in either obtaining or maintaining a job.
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Speech therapy services are provided on a 1:1 basis. Each session is for 40mins and the frequency of sessions is decided during the consultation.
Some examples of skill-based activities that we help with are:
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Support in social settings
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Modeling of social skills
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Exploration of social communication strategies to connect with peers
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Assistance with self-advocacy in the community
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Assistance with structuring daily routines and managing time effectively
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Support in independent living tasks
Reasons for Autism in Adults
Focus groups were held and electronic feedback was solicited. Research related to neurophysiological and genetic indicators characteristics, behavior, and functional capacities associated with autism were reviewed. The consensus was that there were no clear indicators to distinguish between autistic disorder, high functioning autism, and Asperger syndrome. At the current time, all have been classified as Autism Spectrum disorders with the acknowledgment that
1. The term reflects a continuum of behaviors and characteristics
2. The etiology remains unknown but may be associated with multiple gene and environmental influences
3. Each person on the autism spectrum manifests a unique cluster of these behaviors and characteristics
4. People with autism can learn and grow, and lead full productive lives
5. Early intervention services have positively contributed to this growth, development
