Speech therapy intervention in a teenager with autism spectrum disorder: a case report

Taisa Ribeiro De Souza Oliveira,Ariane Damasceno Pellicani,Andreza Alves Nascimento,Geciane Maria Xavier Torres,Raphaela Barroso Guedes-Granzotti,Kelly Da Silva

doi:10.1590/1982-021620182068518

Taisa Ribeiro De Souza Oliveira, Ariane Damasceno Pellicani + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-021620182068518

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Journal: Revista CEFAC	Publication Date: Dec 1, 2018
Citations: 4	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: Universidade Federal de Sergipe

Abstract

ABSTRACT Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects socio-communicative and behavioral abilities. In the language aspect, there is a greater impairment at the pragmatic level and in non-verbal aspects. The objective of this study was to characterize the severity of Autism Spectrum Disorder in an adolescent, pre-and post-speech-language therapy, and describe the process of speech-language intervention using Picture Exchange Communication System allied to the principles of behavioral analysis applied to language. The Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist with the parents was applied. Then, a therapeutic program of 14 sessions of 50 minutes was developed, one per week, and then the questionnaire was reapplied. In the course of the therapeutic process, it was possible to observe an increase in the number of figure exchanges independently, an increase in the number of vocalizations with communicative intention or functional speech, longer time of visual contact and social smile, reduction of inappropriate behaviors with a significant improvement in the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist score.

Highlights

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disorder of neurological development, characterized by a set of behavioral conditions with impairments in two main domains: socio-communicative and behavioral ones, with the onset of symptoms occurring from birth or early childhood[1]
To assess the level of severity of autism and measure the effects of the treatment, the mother completed the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) 11, a scale developed to assess the effectiveness of treatments for autism and covering four areas of development and behavior, being: I
The main objective at the beginning of therapy with a patient with autism is to establish the therapeutic setting to get in touch with her uniqueness, to establish a bond and a therapeutic relationship, and to gradually work the barriers imposed by the spectrum

Summary

Introduction

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disorder of neurological development, characterized by a set of behavioral conditions with impairments in two main domains: socio-communicative and behavioral ones (fixed or repetitive behaviors), with the onset of symptoms occurring from birth or early childhood[1]. This definition is based on the new classification described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)[2], which standardizes the diagnosis and aims to increase the specificity of the diagnosis of ASD. Echolalia (immediate or late), inappropriate use of pronouns, immature grammatical structure, and rigidity of meanings are observed[4]

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