ASD Unlocking Language: A Program to Teach Language and Communication for Children on the Spectrum

What is ASD Unlocking Language and what can it accomplish? ASD Unlocking Language is a program designed to teach effective language and communication to children with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental conditions that affect language. Upon successful completion of the program, children are able to understand and talk about: past, present, and future events in their home life, such as eating, playing, bathing, and dressing past, present, and future events in the outside world, such as visits to the supermarket, a trip to the zoo, and activities at school simple stories and other early literacy skills Mastery of these skills enables children to become more active participants in the world around them. The program may be implemented by a parent, teacher, therapist, or other dedicated adult. Who is the program for? The program is for children who meet the following criteria: In language—the ability to say at least two words in sequence, either spontaneously or through imitation, such as “go home,” “bye bye,” “want cookie.” While behaviors like these are fragmentary, they are significant indicators that the child has the perceptual and motor base required for spoken language. In behavior—the willingness to respond effectively to adult guidance. To benefit from language instruction, a child must be able to cooperate in the teaching process. If a foundation of cooperation is not yet present, it can be established through the behavioral program outlined in Spectacular Bond: Reaching the Child with Autism by Dr. Marion Blank, Dr. Suzanne Goh, and Susan Deland. It is advisable to postpone ASD Unlocking Language until the Spectacular Bond program has been completed. How is the program organized? ASD Unlocking Language is organized into short daily sessions lasting about 20 to 30 minutes each. Sessions take place once per day, four or five days per week. Skills taught in the lessons are also practiced outside the session in real-world settings. Depending on the child’s skill and rate of progress, the full program takes from 6 to 18 months to complete. There are two components to the program: Pre-Language Skills and Language Skills.