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About UNT Kristin Farmer Autism Center
The UNT Kristin Farmer Autism Center conducts evidence-based research, training and direct services to positively impact individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families.
Our vision is to change lives across the autism spectrum and the life span through comprehensive, collaborative and individualized programming delivered by a caring, compassionate and exceptional team of professionals.
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490 S Interstate 35 E, TX, 76205
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(940) 369-5373
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kristi.klusman@unt.edu
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Frequently Asked Questions
Speech therapy is almost always recommended for autistic children since many people with autism have difficulty with social communication. Even if a child is very verbal and says a lot of words, they might need to work on communication skills like:
- responding to questions
- starting or ending conversation
- changing conversation topics
- using gestures like pointing
- understanding other people's body language
Speech therapy is a big focus in early intervention for autistic children and is usually the starting place for recently diagnosed kids. There is a critical period in the brain for language development and so, it's really important to teach language and communication skills as early as possible, especially if there are any delays in that area. Your child will learn effective ways to communicate which will help them grow into more independent and confident individuals.
It might be obvious when a child struggles with speaking —they are very quiet, say only a few words, or don't speak at all.
Spot speech and language delays like a doctor here.
The goal of speech therapy is to help your child communicate effectively with other people across all environments. This may take the form of using gestures, simple signs, verbal speech, and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
Some other common things speech therapists can help with:
- Nonverbal skills, such as signs or gestures
- Forming speech in a clearer way
- Communicating thoughts and feelings clearly
- Understanding and responding to questions
- Discerning facial expressions and their corresponding emotions
- Noticing and understanding body language
- Feeding and swallowing
- Stuttering
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a therapy rooted in the science of learning and behavior. Using principles of ABA, children and adults can learn to improve their communication skills, social skills, and daily living skills while also addressing problematic or challenging behaviors. The primary goal of ABA therapy is to teach helpful skills that promote independence and reduce harmful behaviors. Here's our complete guide to everything you need to know about ABA therapy.
It's a big decision to make for your family! Applied behavior analysis (ABA) seeks to improve communication skills, introduce productive habits, and reduce harmful behaviors. Watch out for ABA providers who look to "cure" autism.
High quality ABA therapy does exist where the goal is not to “fix” children, make them appear “less autistic”, or change who they are. The goal is to help people learn all that they can so they can live to their potential while embracing their unique, individual personality traits. Here's our complete guide to start and end ABA therapy.
ABA is usually covered by insurance if you have an autism diagnosis. Autism is typically the only diagnosis insurance will authorize for ABA services since its benefits have been researched extensively.
Always check with your specific insurance plan to confirm that ABA is covered for your child’s diagnoses and that the provider you are seeking care at is in-network. Here's our complete guide to everything you need to know about ABA therapy.
Get involved with local organizations, support groups, and professionals specializing in those hard of hearing. They can offer guidance, resources, and opportunities for your kiddo’s development. The more you know, the better you can support your child.
Here are some suggestions to get you started:
- Hands & Voices is a parent-driven, nonprofit organization that provides unbiased support, regarding communication methodology and technology, to families with deaf or hard of hearing children.
- Gallaudet University — Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center is a federally funded institution offering exemplary academic programs to deaf/HoH students. They provide early intervention services, sign language classes, and uniquely designed resources for deaf/HoH communities.
- Hearing Loss Association of America is a nonprofit organization with a mission to open the world of communication to people with hearing loss by providing information, education, support, and advocacy.