Autism Speech Therapy Builds meaningful communication starts with understanding how each child experiences the world. At Let’s Talk Speech and Language Therapy in Mission Viejo, Jill Dews, M.A., CCC-SLP, has helped children with autism find their voices for more than twenty years. As a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and founder of the practice, Jill combines proven clinical expertise with warmth, patience, and a deep connection to the local community.
Autism speech therapy helps children strengthen social connection, expressive language, and confidence through play-based, personalized strategies. With expert guidance and family participation, children can learn to communicate in ways that truly work for them.
Understanding How Autism Affects Communication
Children with autism often see and interpret the world in unique ways. Many experience challenges with social cues, understanding language, or expressing what they want and need. Therapy focuses on building these foundational skills step by step, always beginning from the child’s strengths and interests.
Speech therapy for children with autism may address:
- Expressive language (how children use words or gestures)
- Receptive language (how they understand what others say)
- Social communication (how they interact and play)
- Nonverbal skills like eye contact, turn-taking, and gestures
Each child’s program is customized to their developmental stage, learning style, and sensory needs. At Let’s Talk Speech and Language Therapy, Jill Dews and her team use natural interactions, daily routines, and real-world settings like playrooms, classrooms, and family outings to help communication grow naturally.
The Power of Play in Autism Speech Therapy
Play is one of the most powerful tools in helping children with autism learn to communicate. It’s how they explore ideas, connect with others, and make sense of the world around them.
In Jill’s sessions, play often looks like fun games and shared moments that build communication naturally. Activities might include:
- Pretend play with favorite toys
- Simple turn-taking games
- Storytelling with books or pictures
- Using songs, bubbles, or sensory toys to spark engagement
These moments create opportunities for language to develop without pressure. Over time, children begin to use more sounds, gestures, and words to share ideas. Families often notice the biggest breakthroughs during familiar daily routines, like snack time, bath time, or walks through Oso Creek Trail.
Family Involvement: The Heart of Progress
Children make the most progress when therapy continues outside the clinic. That’s why Jill and her team work closely with parents and caregivers to bring therapy techniques home. Together, families learn to recognize small communication moments and celebrate each success.
How Parents Can Support Growth at Home
Small habits create steady progress. Here are some simple ways parents can reinforce what their child learns in therapy:
- Follow your child’s lead during play to see what captures their interest
- Use short, clear phrases during everyday routines
- Model new words often, without demanding imitation
- Pause after speaking to give your child time to respond
- Celebrate all communication, whether it’s a look, sound, or gesture
Parents across Mission Viejo often share how small changes make a big difference. Practicing these steps while driving down Alicia Parkway, visiting local parks, or during family meals helps reinforce connection in real-life moments.
These techniques also align with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) recommendations for early communication development.
Comparing Therapy Approaches
Not all autism therapies are the same. Speech therapy often works alongside other approaches, like occupational therapy or behavioral support, to build a full picture of a child’s development.
| Therapy Type | Primary Focus | How It Supports Communication |
| Speech Therapy | Language, speech sounds, social skills | Builds understanding and expression through play and daily interaction |
| Occupational Therapy | Sensory and motor skills | Helps children regulate their bodies to participate in learning and communication |
| Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) | Behavior and learning patterns | Reinforces communication goals with consistent routines and feedback |
This collaboration ensures each child receives support tailored to their unique strengths and goals. Jill frequently coordinates with schools, specialists, and families in the Mission Viejo area to keep communication strategies consistent across settings.
Building Confidence and Connection
Confidence grows when communication feels rewarding. Many children begin therapy shy or unsure how to express themselves, but over time, they discover that communication opens doors to friendships, learning, and fun.
Each small milestone, like saying a first word or taking a conversational turn, builds self-esteem. Jill’s approach always celebrates effort, not perfection. She reminds families that progress can look different for every child and that every new sound or gesture matters.
Community connections also play a role. Whether it’s sharing greetings at the Mission Viejo Library or ordering a treat at a local café, these moments give children a chance to practice real-world communication in a supportive way.
Why Early Intervention Matters
The earlier a child begins speech therapy, the greater the potential for long-term success. Early intervention helps shape brain development and communication pathways while children are most adaptable.
Research supported by ASHA and the CDC shows that early, individualized therapy can significantly improve language, social interaction, and academic outcomes for children on the autism spectrum. That’s why Jill Dews created the Let’s Talk Early Intervention App, giving families a way to start learning and practicing at home right away.
Families who start early often find that communication becomes easier over time, and children gain confidence expressing their ideas, feelings, and creativity.
Taking the Next Step
If your child struggles to express themselves or connect with others, there’s hope and real help available right here in Mission Viejo. Jill Dews, M.A., CCC-SLP, brings more than twenty years of clinical experience and a genuine passion for helping children communicate confidently.
At Let’s Talk Speech and Language Therapy, Jill and her team create therapy plans tailored to each child’s goals, learning style, and daily life. Families are welcomed as active partners in every step of the process.
Helping your child find their voice is one of the most meaningful journeys you can take together. To schedule a consultation or learn more about autism speech therapy in Mission Viejo, visit Let’s Talk Speech and Language Therapy today and see how small moments can lead to lifelong communication.
Let’s Talk Speech and Language Therapy was recently voted “Best Speech Pathologist” in Ladera Ranch California, a fantastic accomplishment. Schedule your consultation today and see why parents love us!