SunRise Speech Therapy

Autism Communication Support

Tailored approaches to develop functional communication skills for children with autism spectrum disorders.

Autism communication therapy with visual supports and calm environment

Specialized Communication Support for Autism

Communication challenges are a core feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with each child presenting a unique profile of strengths and needs. At SunRise Speech Therapy, we draw on specialized training and experience to develop individualized strategies that meet your child where they are.

Communication Challenges in Autism

Social Communication

Difficulty with conversation skills, understanding nonverbal cues, and social rules of language

Expressive Language

Challenges with vocabulary, sentence structure, or using verbal language at all

Receptive Language

Difficulty understanding language, following directions, or processing verbal information

Echolalia & Scripting

Repeating words or phrases instead of generating novel language

SunRise's Autism Communication Approach

Our approach to autism communication therapy is family-centered, strengths-based, and customized to each child's specific needs. The home environment offers unique advantages for children with autism, allowing therapy to take place in a comfortable, familiar setting where skills can be immediately applied to daily routines.

Visual Supports

Using pictures, visual schedules, and social stories to support communication and build understanding.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Implementing communication devices or systems when verbal speech is limited, from simple picture boards to speech-generating devices.

Naturalistic Teaching

Following your child's lead and interests to create meaningful communication opportunities in everyday activities.

Sensory-Informed Therapy

Adapting therapy approaches to accommodate sensory sensitivities or seeking behaviors.

Social Communication Training

Explicit teaching of conversation skills, nonverbal communication, and social pragmatics.

Specialized ASD Experience

Our expertise in autism communication includes:

  • Advanced training in autism-specific communication interventions
  • Experience with AAC systems (PECS, speech devices, sign language)
  • Specialized visual support creation for home and school
  • Sensory-informed therapy approaches
  • Collaboration with ABA teams and other providers

Measuring Success

For children with autism, communication progress is measured in meaningful, functional changes:

  • Increased spontaneous communication attempts
  • Growth in functional vocabulary
  • Improved ability to express needs and wants
  • Development of conversation turn-taking
  • Enhanced comprehension of social cues
  • Reduced communication frustration
  • Greater independence in daily routines

Progress is highly individualized. For some children, learning to request a favorite toy is a significant accomplishment, while others may work toward having back-and-forth conversations.

Additional Resources for Families

The Importance of Parent Training

For children with autism, parent involvement is essential for generalizing communication skills across settings and activities. We provide specialized parent coaching as part of every therapy program.

Parents Learn To:

  • 1
    Create communication-rich routines at home
  • 2
    Recognize and respond to communication attempts
  • 3
    Use visual supports effectively at home
  • 4
    Adapt language to their child's understanding level
  • 5
    Structure environments to promote communication

Parent Success Story

"When we started therapy, my son would only pull me to what he wanted without making eye contact or vocalizing. Zef taught us how to create communication opportunities throughout our day. Now he uses pictures, words, and even the iPad communication app to tell us what he wants, needs, and thinks. The strategies were simple enough that our whole family could use them consistently."

—Parent of James, age 4

Questions about how speech therapy can help your child?