Conversational Skills, Speech Production and Academic Achievement Among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Special Needs Schools in Rivers State, Nigeria

This study investigated the relationship between conversational skills, speech production and academic achievement among children with autism spectrum disorder in special needs schools. The adopted a correlational survey design. Four research questions four corresponding hypotheses were raised formulated to guide study. population for this consists of all 80 male female pupils diagnosed ASD seven schools Rivers State. instrument that was used is modified four-point Likert type scale questionnaire titled “Conversational Skills, Speech Production Academic Achievement Questionnaire” (CSSPAAQ). Cronbach Alpha statistics estimate reliability coefficients 0.81 0.70 0.92 obtained. Data collected analysed using simple regression while t-test beta value associated test at 0.05 alpha level significance. From data analyzed, it found skills are significantly related Based on these findings following recommendations made: Counsellors, teachers, school administrators caregivers should encourage by supplementing intervention strategies draw from variety theories involve varying degrees adult-directed activities child-centered order increase interaction generalization learnt new settings communication partners; caregivers, parents engaging use video modelling technique teaching during play everyday routines words different contexts.