Speech Goals for Asperger Syndrome

Here is a list of some Speech goals that can be used for the IEP (it is not a complete list, but it will give you some ideas). Determine what your child needs help in most and pick only a few to address in one year.


Pragmatics (Art of Conversation)- greeting others, exchanging ideas and information with others, taking turns in conversation, repairing a conversation, coping with uncertainty or mistakes, overcoming a tendency to make irrelevant comments, knowing when not to interrupt, understanding abstract or complex language concepts, taking turns, providing enough information to be clear without being verbose, contributing relevant information, choosing an appropriate topic, how to stay on topic, how to switch to a new subject, reading other people’s cues to adjust your conversation, provide clarification if someone is confused, speaking differently to a child, peer or adult, understanding and using facial expressions and eye contact, how close to stand to someone when speaking, rephrasing when misunderstood, know that you have to answer when a question has been asked, not being blunt or rude, refrain from speaking about his/her obsessions, etc.

Literal Interpretation- understanding the hidden, implied or multiple meanings; understanding common phrases, idioms or metaphors, sarcasm, irony, etc.

Prosody (Melody of Speech)- using proper vocal tone and volume to indicate key words or indicate the associated emotion; variations in pitch, rhythm, and stress, etc.

Idiosyncratic use of Words- refraining from inventing unique words (or neologisms) or being idiosyncratic or original in their use of language, etc.

Vocalizing Thoughts- refraining from vocalizing their thoughts as they play alone or with others, etc.

Auditory Discrimination and Distortion- being able to focus on one person’s voice when several people are talking or having a distorted perception of their voice, etc.

Verbal Fluency- refraining from talking too much or too little, not stuttering, etc.



*Here are some Social Skills goals that can be incorporated into Speech therapy.

Social Skills Goals for the IEP