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SLPs Relationship to Autism

Karen Thomas /, M.S.,CCC-SLP

July 28, 2003

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Question

Please address autism, with particular emphasis on the SLPs relationship to autism, and related issues.

Answer

The number of children diagnosed with autism, or Autism/PDD/Aspergers or Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is on the rise. According to The National Alliance of Autism Research

"Recent epidemiology studies have shown that autism spectrum disorders are 10 times more prevalent than they were just 10 years ago. Autism is the second most common developmental disability, next to mental retardation. ASD (occurance is approximately) one in every 250 births. Some studies place the prevalence even higher."

While the specific cause(s) of the disorder is yet to be determined, "it is widely believed within the scientific community that there is a strong [genetic] component or pre-disposition to autism spectrum disorders." Other theories include dietary allergies, childhood vaccinations or environmental contaminants. SLPs are going to see rising numbers of children with ASD in their caseloads.

The role of the SLP concerning people with autism, is not specifically addressed by the ASHA's Scope of Practice statement, but the speech, language, and pragmatic deficits of the disorder fall within the SLP's scope of practice. "The domain of speech-language pathology includes human communication behaviors..." and "The overall objective of speech-language pathology services is to optimize individuals' ability to communicate...in natural environments, and thus improve their quality of life". "The practice of speech-language pathology involves:

  1. Providing prevention, screening, consultation, assessment and diagnosis, treatment, intervention, management, counseling, and follow-up services for disorders of:


karen thomas

Karen Thomas /, M.S.,CCC-SLP


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