Speech & Language Therapy
Building understanding, words and other ways to communicate.
What is it?
Speech and language therapy helps children understand others and express themselves. For autistic children, the goal is communication — not only speech. That can mean spoken words, signs, pictures (such as PECS), or a speech app on a tablet (AAC).
How it helps
- Understanding instructions and questions
- First words, then phrases and sentences
- Using pictures, signs or devices to ask for things
- Turn-taking and back-and-forth conversation
- Reducing frustration because the child can be understood
What a session looks like
Sessions are usually play-based. The therapist uses toys, songs and your child’s favourite things to create reasons to communicate — for example, holding a bubble wand and waiting for your child to ask for “more” by word, sign or picture.
Video lessons
Step-by-step videos from our Life with Autism Urdu YouTube channel (videos are in Urdu).
Try this at home
- Narrate your day in short phrases: “Water. Cold water. Drink.”
- Pause and wait — give 5–10 seconds for your child to respond
- Offer choices: hold up two snacks and name each one
- Sing songs with pauses and let your child fill in the missing word
- Copy their sounds and turn it into a game
Tip: Using pictures or a speech device does not stop a child from learning to talk. Research shows it often helps speech develop.
Finding the right therapist
- Look for a qualified, licensed professional with experience with autistic children
- Ask how they will involve you and what goals they will set
- Choose someone your child is happy and comfortable with
- Expect regular progress updates you can understand
Please note: The information on this website is for general education and support. It is not medical advice. Every child is different — please work with a qualified doctor, developmental paediatrician or licensed therapist for assessment and treatment.