Functional communication is at the heart of successful interaction for individuals with autism. It’s more than just using words—it’s about helping individuals communicate their wants, needs, thoughts, and emotions effectively. Setting functional communication goals for autism is critical because it provides a structured approach to improving communication skills that are practical and useful in everyday life.
In this article, we will explore what functional communication goals for autism look like, why they’re important, and how they can be tailored to fit the unique needs of each individual. Whether your child is just beginning to develop communication skills or is working on refining more advanced abilities, these goals can make a significant difference in their ability to engage with the world.
Why Are Functional Communication Goals Important?
For many individuals with autism, communication doesn’t come naturally. Some may have limited verbal abilities, while others might struggle with non-verbal cues like gestures or facial expressions. This is where functional communication goals for autism play a vital role—they focus on helping individuals learn how to communicate in ways that are meaningful and practical, making daily interactions smoother and more successful.
Functional communication skills help individuals express:
- Basic needs (e.g., requesting food, water, or help)
- Feelings and emotions
- Preferences (e.g., choosing between options)
- Social interactions (e.g., greeting people or responding to questions)
These skills can open up new possibilities for independence and self-advocacy, empowering individuals to take charge of their lives in a way that aligns with their abilities and preferences.
Setting Functional Communication Goals
Every individual with autism is different, so functional communication goals for autism should be tailored to the child’s specific needs, developmental stage, and learning style. In general, these goals focus on helping the individual develop effective ways to communicate across different environments, such as home, school, and community settings.
Key Areas to Consider in Goal Setting
- Verbal Communication: For children who are verbal, goals may focus on improving the clarity of speech, expanding vocabulary, or structuring sentences more effectively.
- Non-Verbal Communication: For non-verbal individuals, or those with limited speech, goals may focus on using alternative forms of communication, such as picture exchange communication systems (PECS), sign language, or speech-generating devices.
- Social Communication: Social interaction can be challenging for children with autism. Goals might focus on learning how to initiate conversation, take turns during a conversation, or maintain eye contact.
- Emotional Expression: It’s important for individuals to express emotions in a healthy way. Functional communication goals can involve teaching a child how to identify and verbalize their emotions, reducing frustration and meltdowns.
- Functional Language Use: Instead of just focusing on labeling objects, functional communication emphasizes using language in a meaningful way to make requests, ask questions, or respond to others.
Now, let’s dive into specific examples of functional communication goals for autism.
Examples of Functional Communication Goals for Autism
Setting specific, measurable goals is essential to tracking progress in communication development. Here are some examples of goals that might be set during ABA therapy sessions.
- Requesting Basic Needs
Transitioning into daily communication starts with learning how to ask for basic needs. Whether verbal or non-verbal, requesting things like food, water, or a toy is an essential communication skill.- Goal: The child will use words, PECS, or gestures to request an item they want (e.g., “juice” or handing over a picture of juice).
- Objective: The child will request a preferred item independently 4 out of 5 times during therapy sessions.
- Initiating Social Interactions
Engaging with others can be intimidating for individuals with autism. Setting a goal around initiating conversation or social contact can help build confidence and social skills.- Goal: The child will initiate a greeting, like saying “hello” or waving, when meeting a familiar person.
- Objective: The child will initiate greetings independently in 3 out of 5 social interactions during a structured activity.
- Expressing Emotions
Helping children identify and express their feelings verbally or through gestures can reduce frustration and improve emotional regulation.- Goal: The child will verbally or non-verbally express feelings such as happiness, sadness, or anger during therapy sessions.
- Objective: The child will accurately express their feelings when asked, in 80% of opportunities during a 1-hour session.
- Making Choices
Teaching children how to express preferences and make choices promotes independence. This can involve using verbal requests or non-verbal methods like pointing or using picture cards.- Goal: The child will choose between two offered items using words, PECS, or pointing.
- Objective: The child will successfully make a choice during snack time or play 4 out of 5 opportunities each day.
- Responding to Questions
Understanding and answering basic questions helps children engage more fully in conversations and daily activities.- Goal: The child will respond to “What do you want?” by choosing and expressing their preference (verbally or non-verbally).
- Objective: The child will answer the question with minimal prompting 80% of the time during therapy sessions.
- Using Functional Sentences
Expanding language use beyond one-word requests can be a next-level goal for verbal individuals. This involves learning how to form simple sentences to express needs or feelings.- Goal: The child will use a simple 3- to 4-word sentence to request help, such as “I need help” or “Can I have water?”
- Objective: The child will use functional sentences in 4 out of 5 instances during routine activities like meals or playtime.
- Turn-Taking in Conversations
Conversations involve more than just speaking—they require active listening and taking turns. This can be a challenging but essential skill for individuals with autism.- Goal: The child will take turns speaking during a conversation or structured game with a peer or adult.
- Objective: The child will successfully engage in a back-and-forth exchange during 3 out of 5 structured conversations.
- Using Alternative Communication Systems
For children who are non-verbal, alternative communication methods like PECS, speech-generating devices, or sign language can provide a way to express their needs effectively.- Goal: The child will use PECS or a speech-generating device to communicate a need or desire during therapy sessions.
- Objective: The child will initiate communication with their device in 75% of opportunities during a therapy hour.
How to Tailor Functional Communication Goals
Each child with autism has different communication strengths and challenges, so it’s important to personalize these goals based on their unique needs. ABA therapists work closely with families to determine which areas of communication need the most support, and they adjust goals based on the child’s progress over time.
Consistency across settings is key. Parents, teachers, and therapists should all reinforce communication strategies in various environments, from home to school to public spaces. Functional communication goals should also evolve as the child grows, ensuring that the skills they learn continue to serve them in their day-to-day lives.
Tips for Supporting Functional Communication at Home
As a parent or caregiver, there are several ways you can support your child in reaching their functional communication goals for autism.
- Model Communication: Use clear and simple language to model how to ask for things or express emotions. Be patient and consistent in your responses.
- Use Visual Supports: Visual aids like picture cards or communication boards can help children who struggle with verbal communication. Incorporating these tools at home can reinforce what they learn in therapy.
- Encourage Choices: Offering choices throughout the day—like picking between two snacks or choosing a toy—gives your child opportunities to practice making requests.
- Reinforce Positive Communication: Celebrate your child’s progress, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement can encourage them to keep using functional communication in different settings.
Bright Bridge ABA: Helping Families in North Carolina Achieve Communication Success
At Bright Bridge ABA, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to communicate effectively and build meaningful connections. Our team of experienced ABA therapists in North Carolina works closely with families to develop and implement personalized ABA therapy plans, including setting functional communication goals for autism that promote real-world success.
Unlock Your Child’s Communication Potential with Bright Bridge ABA
If you’re looking for professional ABA therapy services that focus on improving communication, Bright Bridge ABA is here to help. Our dedicated team in North Carolina specializes in creating individualized treatment plans that meet your child’s specific needs. Book a consultation today to learn how we can support your child’s growth and development through personalized ABA therapy.