Show Notes
What happens when a child cannot communicate their needs in the way the world expects them to?
In this episode of the Talent Matters Podcast, Donal O’Donoghue speaks with speech and language therapist Sinéad Kerley-Dunne about supporting non-speaking and minimally speaking autistic children.
Sinéad explains how communication extends far beyond spoken words and explores the different ways children express themselves, including behaviour, gestures and alternative communication systems. We discuss gestalt language processing, where children learn and use language in larger phrases or scripts rather than starting with individual words.
We also explore the PDA profile, or pathological demand avoidance, and why everyday requests can sometimes trigger an intense anxiety response.
The conversation covers early intervention, emotional regulation, the difference between a tantrum and an autistic meltdown, and how parents and schools can create environments in which children feel understood, supported and safe.
Sinéad also shares practical advice for parents who may be noticing differences in their child’s communication, including when to seek professional support and why progress will look different for every child.
A compassionate and informative conversation about autism, communication, parenting and the importance of understanding the individual child.
Talent Matters is sponsored by Sanderson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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