64. Autism & Motor Speech Disorders: Five Reasons SLPs Must Rethink Speech Development

If you work with children with autism, this episode is a must-listen. For decades, the field has treated speech delays in autism as if they were simply “late talking.” But the reality? These children present with clear speech motor disorders that demand a neurodivergent approach. In this episode, you’ll learn the five neurological and physiological reasons why speech in autism is not a typical delay but a motor disorder: Generalized motor delays impacting speech development Auditory processing deficits blocking stop consonant perception Cerebellar differences tied to speech production Neurological disconnections impacting initiation and motor planning Proprioception challenges making speech movements far harder When we name the disorder for what it is, we can finally change how we treat it—and improve speech outcomes for children who have been underserved for far too long. ✨ Ready-to-use support is waiting for you inside the SIS Membership. Each week you’ll get literacy, speech, language, and AAC resources alongside empirically-based, theme-based movement activities—plus a parent, large group, and teletherapy Google Slides deck. These materials are designed to treat the whole child, including the motor, auditory, and proprioceptive challenges you heard about today. 👉 Join here: https://www.kellyvess.com/sis