Autism & ASD Speech Therapy

Helping children with autism develop meaningful communication skills through evidence-based, compassionate speech therapy tailored to your child's unique needs.

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AAC & PECS Specialists

ASHA-Certified SLPs

Regional Center Provider

Insurance Accepted

Understanding Autism & Communication Challenges

Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience communication challenges that can affect their ability to express themselves, connect with others, and navigate daily life.

These challenges can range from language delays and difficulty starting conversations to trouble understanding social cues and nonverbal communication.

Every child with autism is unique. That's why our speech therapy services are individualized to meet your child exactly where they are and help them reach their full communication potential.

Communication Challenges We Address

Limited Eye Contact

Difficulty making or maintaining eye contact during conversations, which can impact social interactions.

Echolalia

Repeating words or phrases heard from others, TV shows, or movies instead of using original language.

Conversation Turn-Taking

Struggling with the back-and-forth flow of conversation, including when to speak and when to listen.

Social Cues

Difficulty reading facial expressions, body language, and understanding tone of voice.

Limited Expressive Language

Challenges expressing wants, needs, thoughts, and feelings verbally.

Nonverbal Communication

Trouble understanding gestures, facial expressions, and other forms of nonverbal communication.

Our Evidence-Based Approach

Evidence-Based Techniques

We use proven methods including AAC and PECS tailored to your child's needs.

Play-Based & Child-Centered

Therapy sessions are engaging and fun, using play and your child's interests.

Parent Training & Support

We equip parents with strategies to support communication development at home.

Collaborative Care

We work with ABA therapists, schools, and OTs for comprehensive support.

Functional Communication

Our goal is real-world communication, whether through speech, signs, or technology.

AAC & PECS: Supporting Nonverbal Children

For children who are nonverbal or minimally verbal, we utilize specialized communication systems that can open up new worlds of expression and connection.

AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication)

AAC includes any method of communication beyond traditional speech, such as:

Communication devices and tablets with speech-generating apps
Sign language and gestures
Picture boards and communication books
Visual supports and schedules

AAC doesn't replace speech—it supports and often encourages verbal communication development.

PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System)

PECS is a structured approach that teaches children to communicate using pictures:

Child exchanges pictures for desired items or activities
Builds understanding of communication as a two-way exchange
Progresses from simple requests to complex sentences
Evidence-based method with strong research support

PECS can be a powerful first step toward functional communication for many children with autism.

Insurance & Regional Center Coverage

We accept most major insurance plans and work with the Regional Center to make autism speech therapy accessible to families.

Sutter HMO

Kaiser

Cigna

Blue Shield PPO

Western Health Advantage

Regional Center

Learn more about insurance & payment options or call us at (707) 366-5246 for verification.

Serving Families Throughout Solano & Yolo Counties

We provide autism speech therapy services to families in Dixon and surrounding communities.

Dixon, CA Vacaville, CA Fairfield, CA Davis, CA West Sacramento, CA Woodland, CA Winters, CA

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my child ever talk?

Every child with autism is unique, and communication development varies greatly. While some children develop verbal speech with therapy support, others may use alternative communication methods like AAC devices or sign language. What's most important is finding the right communication system for your child—one that allows them to express their needs, wants, and thoughts effectively. Research shows that using AAC doesn't prevent speech development; in fact, it often supports and encourages it.

What is AAC and how does it work?

AAC stands for Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It includes any communication method beyond traditional speech, such as communication devices, apps, picture boards, sign language, and gestures. AAC can range from low-tech (picture cards) to high-tech (tablets with speech-generating apps). We assess your child's needs and abilities to recommend the best AAC system for them. AAC is not a replacement for speech—it's a tool that supports communication and often helps children develop verbal skills over time.

How does speech therapy help with autism?

Speech therapy for autism addresses both verbal and nonverbal communication challenges. We work on developing functional communication (requesting, commenting, asking questions), improving social communication skills (turn-taking, eye contact, understanding social cues), building language comprehension and expression, reducing frustration by establishing reliable communication methods, and supporting conversation skills and pragmatic language. Therapy is individualized based on your child's specific strengths and challenges.

Do you work with nonverbal children?

Absolutely! We have extensive experience working with nonverbal and minimally verbal children with autism. We use evidence-based approaches like AAC and PECS to help children develop functional communication skills. Communication doesn't require speech. Our focus is on helping your child express themselves effectively, build connections with others, and reduce frustration—using whatever methods work best for them.

How long does autism speech therapy take?

The duration of therapy varies for each child based on their individual needs, goals, and progress. Some children benefit from intensive therapy (2-3 times per week), while others progress well with less frequent sessions. Autism speech therapy is often an ongoing process, with goals and frequency adjusting as your child develops. We regularly assess progress and work with families to determine the appropriate level of service. Early intervention typically leads to better outcomes, but children can benefit from speech therapy at any age.

Start Your Child's Communication Journey Today

Have questions about autism speech therapy? Our ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists specialize in helping children with autism develop meaningful communication skills.

Free initial consultation
AAC & PECS specialists
Regional Center provider
Response within 24 hours

Or call us directly:
(707) 366-5246