Key Points:
- Autism communication goals are designed to help children develop functional, meaningful, and socially appropriate communication skills.
- Goals often focus on expressive language, receptive understanding, and the use of alternative communication methods.
- Speech therapy integrates these goals into structured sessions that target real-life communication needs.
Communication is one of the most important areas of development for children with autism. However, research indicates that approximately 30% of autistic children experience communication challenges. Differences in how autistic individuals express themselves, understand others, or engage in social interaction often require targeted support.
Speech therapy is a vital service for building these skills, and it typically starts with clear, individualized autism communication goals based on a child’s strengths and needs. For parents and caregivers, understanding what these goals should look like is the first step in helping a child connect with the world around them.
What Are Autism Communication Goals?
Autism communication goals are structured, measurable targets in speech therapy that focus on improving how individuals with autism express, receive, and understand information. These goals are tailored to the child’s developmental level and daily communication needs.
Goals may address a range of skills, such as using words to make requests, understanding spoken instructions, or responding to social cues. They can also include the use of visual supports, sign language, or augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. Effective communication goals focus on real-life application, helping the child function more independently at home, school, and in the community.
Why Is Communication Challenging for Children With Autism?
Communication is often challenging for children with autism due to differences in how they process language, social cues, and sensory information. These differences can affect both verbal and nonverbal communication skills.
Many autistic children struggle with understanding abstract language, interpreting tone of voice, or recognizing facial expressions and gestures. They may also have difficulty initiating or maintaining conversations, which can impact social connection and learning. Additionally, sensory sensitivities or delayed speech development can further complicate effective communication—challenges that often extend into academic tasks as well, particularly when it comes to writing. For insights on supporting these learners, explore our article Helping Kids With Autism Overcome Writing Challenges.
What Are the Most Important Autism Communication Goals?
Speech therapists typically prioritize communication goals based on what is most functional and impactful for the child. These goals evolve as the child grows, learns new skills, and gains more independence.
Below are key categories and examples of high-impact communication goals:
1. Requesting Needs and Wants (Mand Training)
Being able to ask for something is one of the most empowering skills a child can learn. It reduces frustration and often decreases problem behaviors. Common goal examples include:
- Use one-word utterances (or AAC symbols) to request preferred items.
- Form 2–3 word phrases to request help (e.g., “Want toy,” “Help me”).
- Use signs or pictures to request food, activities, or breaks.
2. Labeling and Identifying Objects or People (Tact Skills)
Labeling helps children describe their environment and share experiences with others. Common goal examples include:
- Verbally label common household or classroom items.
- Use a communication device to identify family members or peers.
- Name objects by function (e.g., “You eat with a spoon”).
3. Responding to Questions or Prompts
Conversational turn-taking starts with answering questions and responding appropriately to others. Common goal examples include:
- Answer yes/no questions reliably.
- Respond to simple WH-questions (what, who, where, when).
- Follow one-step and then two-step verbal directions.
4. Using Greetings and Social Phrases
Functional communication includes socially expected phrases that help children participate in daily routines and interactions. Common goal examples include:
- Say or sign “hello” and “bye” during transitions.
- Use “please” and “thank you” when prompted.
- Initiate greetings independently in familiar settings.
5. Initiating Interaction
Some children may wait to be spoken to before communicating. Encouraging initiation helps build independence and confidence. Common goal examples include:
- Use gestures or words to get a peer’s attention.
- Initiate conversation using a script or prompt.
- Ask a question to a peer or adult using AAC or speech.
6. Expanding Vocabulary and Sentence Length
Once foundational communication is in place, therapy often works on adding complexity to language. Common goal examples include:
- Combine 3–5 words into grammatically correct sentences.
- Use descriptive words (colors, sizes) in sentences.
- Tell a simple story using sequencing words (first, then, last).
7. Understanding Nonverbal Cues and Social Communication
Even verbal children with autism may struggle with the unspoken rules of communication, such as tone of voice or facial expressions. Common goal examples include:
- Identify emotions from pictures or facial expressions.
- Match tone of voice to corresponding emotions (happy, sad, mad).
- Maintain eye contact while communicating (as appropriate for the child).
How Are Communication Goals Set in Speech Therapy?
Speech therapy goals are never one-size-fits-all. They are written based on thorough assessments, observations, and input from caregivers. Most therapists use tools like the VB-MAPP, ABLLS-R, or standardized language tests to pinpoint current skill levels.
The process usually includes:
Therapists also consider cultural and family factors to ensure goals are meaningful and relevant in real-life contexts.
What Role Do Parents Play in Achieving Communication Goals?
Parents play a vital role in supporting communication development for children with autism by creating consistent, encouraging, and language-rich environments. Their daily interactions offer repeated opportunities for skill-building.
By modeling clear language, responding to attempts at communication, and incorporating speech goals into routines, parents reinforce what children learn in therapy or school. Working closely with speech-language pathologists or ABA therapists also helps parents apply effective strategies at home, promoting consistent progress toward communication milestones. These everyday interactions not only support speech development but also play a vital role in social growth—an area we explore further in How to Help Autistic Individuals With Social Development.
What Tools Support Autism Communication Goals?
Speech therapy often involves more than just talking. Many children benefit from tools and strategies that align with their learning preferences. These can range from low-tech visuals to high-tech devices, all chosen based on the child’s strengths.
Common tools and methods include:
1. Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
PECS uses picture cards to teach communication through visual requests and exchanges. It helps children express wants and needs before they develop verbal language.
2. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
AAC tools like speech-generating devices, communication apps, and boards offer nonverbal children structured ways to communicate thoughts and choices.
3. Visual Schedules and Token Boards
These tools organize daily tasks and reward systems visually, reducing anxiety and increasing understanding of routines and expectations.
4. Social Stories
Social stories are personalized scripts that explain social situations and responses in a relatable way, improving comprehension and appropriate behavior.
5. Sign Language
As a motor-based communication method, sign language can provide an effective and frustration-reducing alternative for children who struggle with verbal speech.
The key is matching the tool to the child’s learning style while ensuring it’s usable in real-life situations.
Support Your Child’s Growth With ABA Therapy
Targeted speech therapy paired with strong autism communication goals can dramatically improve how your child engages with others. But communication is just one part of the puzzle.
ABA therapy complements speech therapy by reinforcing communication skills in natural settings, reducing problem behaviors, and promoting independence. With Acclimate ABA, your child can build the communication skills they need to thrive with ABA therapy in Utah.
Contact us today to learn how our services can support your child’s growth and confidence in communication.
