What goal should an SLPSLP prioritize for a nonverbal 4-year-old diagnosed with autism?

Prioritizing the goal of requesting wants in any modality for a nonverbal 4-year-old diagnosed with autism is a crucial step in developing functional communication skills. For children with autism, especially those who are nonverbal, being able to express their needs and desires is foundational to reducing frustration and promoting social interaction. This skill allows the child to engage more meaningfully with their environment and helps caregivers understand and respond to their needs, thereby fostering a sense of autonomy.

This goal can involve using various means of communication, such as picture exchange, sign language, or assistive technology. Focusing on the ability to request promotes not only communication but also cognitive skills as the child learns to associate their needs with specific actions, gestures, or symbols.

While the other options can contribute to the child's overall communication development, they are not as immediately impactful for supporting the child's ability to express immediate needs, which is critical for their daily functioning and social interaction. For example, matching identical pictures or labeling common items, while beneficial for language development, do not directly address the child's ability to communicate wants and may not provide the same level of immediate reinforcement and utility in their daily life. Imitating actions can support motor and cognitive skills, but again, it does