Our specialist speech and language therapy for autism supports autistic children and young people with speech, language, communication and interaction. Based at our central Norwich clinic and working with families and education settings across Norfolk, we provide personalised, neurodiversity-affirming support tailored to each child’s individual communication needs, strengths and preferences.
Autistic children and young people may experience a range of communication challenges, including:
If your child is Autistic, is awaiting an Autism assessment or has differences in speech, language or communication, our experienced speech and language therapists are here to help.
From our central Norwich clinic and through our work with schools and nurseries across Norfolk, we provide personalised support designed around your child’s individual communication strengths and needs.
Contact our team today to discuss your child’s needs and find out how our speech and language therapy services could support them.
Useful Information:
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental condition that affects how individuals perceive and interact with the world around them. It is characterised by differences in communication, social interaction, and behaviour. Autism is a spectrum, meaning it can present in many ways, with each individual having their own unique strengths and challenges.
We offer private assessment for Autism, specialising in both adult and child diagnosis. For more information including process and cost visit Norfolk Autism Assessment.
If you notice ongoing differences in communication, play, social interaction or sensory needs, and these are affecting daily life, an assessment can help you understand your child better and access the right support. Visit our sister site – Norfolk Autism Assessment for more information on a private assessment.
Read our blog – 10 Benefits of a Private Autism Assessment.
Speech and language therapy can support Autistic children in many different ways, depending on their individual strengths, needs and preferred ways of communicating.
A Speech and Language Therapist may help with understanding and using language, expressing wants, needs and ideas, interaction and social communication, play skills and developing confidence in everyday communication. For children who communicate without speech or use limited spoken language, we can also explore Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), including symbols, signing and communication devices.
Our approach is personalised and neurodiversity-affirming. The aim is not to change the way an Autistic child communicates, but to give them the tools, strategies and support they need to communicate effectively and confidently.
Yes. Speech and language therapy isn’t only for children who have difficulty speaking. An Autistic child may have a wide vocabulary and speak clearly but still benefit from support with other aspects of language and communication.
This might include understanding more complex or non-literal language, expressing thoughts and emotions, navigating conversations, recognising when communication has broken down or developing strategies for communicating successfully in different situations.
A Speech and Language Therapist will look at your child’s overall communication profile, rather than simply whether or not they can talk, and recommend support based on their individual strengths and needs.
Yes. ISLTS provides specialist speech and language therapy for Autistic children and young people in Norfolk.
We can provide support from our central Norwich clinic as well as working with children in schools, nurseries and other education settings where appropriate. We work closely with parents, carers and education professionals so that useful communication strategies can be incorporated into everyday life.
If you would like to discuss your child’s speech, language or communication needs, contact our team to arrange an initial conversation and find out how we can help.
Autism often runs in families. It doesn’t mean it always does, but genetics play a part. Many parents realise they share similar traits once their child is assessed.
Years ago, some Autistic children were given the diagnosis “Asperger’s.” This term is no longer used in the UK. Today, all Autistic people are included under the term “Autism” or “Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).”
Read our blog on the differences between Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), Autism and ADHD.
Autism isn’t something to grow out of – it’s part of who your child is. With understanding, the right support and environments that meet their needs, Autistic children can thrive, learn and build happy, meaningful lives.
Support may include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, help with communication strategies, sensory support, school adjustments and guidance for parents. Support is always tailored to your child’s individual needs.
