Communication Strategies for Autistic Individuals with Rose Griffin

Communication is more than just words. It's how we connect, share our experiences, and navigate the world around us. 

For autistic individuals and their families, finding the right communication methods is a journey of discovery. It’s about building a foundation where everyone feels heard, understood, and empowered. 

In a recent episode of the Autism Weekly podcast, host Jeff Skibitsky sat down with Rose Griffin, a dually certified Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). With over 20 years of experience, Rose shared invaluable insights into practical speech therapy strategies, the power of joint attention, and the importance of collaboration between families and providers.  

This blog will explore her key takeaways to help you support communication growth for yourself or your child. 

Communication Happens Everywhere 

One of the most powerful ideas Rose shared is that communication is not limited to formal therapy sessions. It's woven into the fabric of our daily lives. From car rides and mealtimes to folding laundry, every moment is an opportunity to connect. 

The key is to create an environment that encourages communication through modeling, not demanding. Many parents fall into the trap of asking a constant stream of questions, which can be overwhelming for an emerging communicator. Instead of quizzing, try narrating your day. 

For example, you can say, "Mommy's making dinner," or "Look at the big, red truck!" This approach, called language modeling, exposes your child to language in a low-pressure, natural way. It seems simple, but this strategy is how we build the foundational skills for communication. 

The Power of Joint Attention 

A core component of building communication is joint attention. This is the shared focus of two individuals on an object or event. It’s the simple act of looking at something together, whether it's a bird outside the window or a picture in a book. 

Rose emphasizes that joint attention is a crucial building block for social reciprocity and imitation. It's not about forcing eye contact but about creating a shared experience. How can you foster joint attention in your daily routines? 

Practical Joint Attention Tips: 

• Mealtime Fun: Sing songs while you eat or have your child help with simple preparation tasks. Talk about the food's colors, textures, and tastes. 

• Bath Time Songs: Bath time is perfect for songs with hand gestures, like "Wheels on the Bus" or "Five Little Ducks." These simple, repetitive actions build imitation skills. 

• Car Ride Narratives: Point out interesting things you see on the road. "Wow, look at that fast train!" or "The bus is stopping." This connects language to the world around them. 

Remember, the goal is to make these interactions fun and engaging. It’s about being present and sharing a moment, not about getting a specific response. 

Motivation is Your Greatest Tool 

To build successful communication, you need to tap into what motivates your child or what you find interesting. Families know their children best. You know what toys they love, what songs make them dance, and what activities capture their attention. Use these interests as your starting point. 

Rose notes that novelty can also be a powerful motivator. What was exciting on Tuesday might be less so by Thursday. Don’t be afraid to introduce new, fun events or objects. Having a team of providers, like SLPs and BCBAs, can be a great source of new ideas to keep things fresh and engaging. 

When you use preferred activities, you create a natural desire to communicate. It's not about "work"; it's about sharing joy. 

Understanding All Forms of Communication 

It is essential to recognize that communication comes in many forms. Vocal speech is just one of them. Gestures, sign language, body language, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) are all valid and powerful ways to express oneself. 

Forcing verbalization can be counterproductive. Instead, the focus should be on celebrating any form of communication. When a child points to a toy or pulls you toward the kitchen, they are communicating a need. Acknowledging and responding to these attempts reinforces the power of their communication and encourages them to do it more. 

This shift in perspective can be transformative. It unlocks a new way of thinking, where you see and value all the ways your child is already connecting with you. 

The Role of AAC for Autism 

For many non-speaking or emerging communicators, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a game-changer. AAC includes a wide range of tools, from simple picture boards to high-tech speech-generating devices. 

Rose stresses that we cannot wait to introduce AAC. It should be considered from the very beginning. The misconception that AAC hinders verbal speech development is a myth. In fact, research shows that AAC can support the development of spoken language by reducing frustration and providing a consistent model for communication. 

AAC gives individuals a voice. It allows them to request, comment, protest, and share their thoughts and feelings. It's not just for making requests; it can be used for joint attention, storytelling, and building social connections. 

The Importance of Coordinated Care 

Supporting an autistic individual often involves a team of professionals, including SLPs, BCBAs, OTs, and educators. When these providers work in silos, it can lead to confusion and frustration for both the family and the individual. 

Rose highlights the critical need for coordinated care. When everyone is on the same page, progress is more consistent and meaningful. This doesn't mean everyone does the exact same thing, but that they share a common goal and understand the overall strategy. 

As a parent or an autistic individual, you are a vital part of this team. You can advocate for collaboration by: 

• Ensuring all providers are aware of each other. 

• Sharing progress reports and goals between therapies. 

• Requesting joint meetings to align on strategies. 

Your Right to Communicate 

Everyone has the right to communicate. Rose shared a powerful, free resource called the Communication Bill of Rights. This document outlines the fundamental rights of every person regarding communication. These rights include the right to have access to their communication system at all times, the right to protest, and the right to be heard and understood. 

Sharing this document with your child's school, therapy providers, and community members is a great way to advocate for their needs. It provides a framework for discussion that is based on established best practices, moving the conversation away from personal opinions and toward a culture of support. Your voice, or your child's voice, should travel with them everywhere. 

Your Next Steps 

Building strong communication skills is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience, creativity, and a supportive team. Here are a few actionable steps you can take today: 

Download the Communication Bill of Rights: Share it with your team to empower yourself and your child.