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:
Providing prevention, screening, consultation, assessment and diagnosis, treatment, intervention, management, counseling, and follow-up services for disorders of:
Karen Thomas /, M.S.,CCC-SLP
Related Courses
1https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/connecting-with-preverbal-child-to-10247Connecting with the Preverbal Child to Increase Social CommunicationChildren with autism who have minimal verbal skills present particular communication challenges. This course discusses assessment and intervention strategies to evaluate and increase intentionality of communication, as well as support social interaction and language development in this group of children.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlySpeechPathology.comwww.speechpathology.comConnecting with the Preverbal Child to Increase Social CommunicationChildren with autism who have minimal verbal skills present particular communication challenges. This course discusses assessment and intervention strategies to evaluate and increase intentionality of communication, as well as support social interaction and language development in this group of children.10247OnlinePT60M
Children with autism who have minimal verbal skills present particular communication challenges. This course discusses assessment and intervention strategies to evaluate and increase intentionality of communication, as well as support social interaction and language development in this group of children.
2https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/understanding-and-treating-echolalia-when-10261Understanding and Treating Echolalia: When You Means IEcholalic speech can reflect a Gestalt learning style that often accompanies hyperlexia and reading comprehension difficulties. This course provides an explanation of echolalia based on this framework, and describes related characteristics common in children with autism. Intervention strategies related to language, literacy, and socialization are also discussed.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlySpeechPathology.comwww.speechpathology.comUnderstanding and Treating Echolalia: When You Means IEcholalic speech can reflect a Gestalt learning style that often accompanies hyperlexia and reading comprehension difficulties. This course provides an explanation of echolalia based on this framework, and describes related characteristics common in children with autism. Intervention strategies related to language, literacy, and socialization are also discussed.10261OnlinePT60M
Echolalic speech can reflect a Gestalt learning style that often accompanies hyperlexia and reading comprehension difficulties. This course provides an explanation of echolalia based on this framework, and describes related characteristics common in children with autism. Intervention strategies related to language, literacy, and socialization are also discussed.
3https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/practical-treatment-approach-for-students-9499A Practical Treatment Approach for Students with Social Communication Disorders in Schools, Part 1This is Part 1 of a two-part series. This course helped SLPs build a repertoire of social communication intervention strategies and improve functional outcomes with evidence-based treatment plans for students Pre-K to 6th grade. Individual case studies will demonstrate how social communication disorders present in a variety of diagnostic categories. Practical tools for treatment from the therapy room to the classroom - including collaboration with other professionals - will be discussed.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlySpeechPathology.comwww.speechpathology.comA Practical Treatment Approach for Students with Social Communication Disorders in Schools, Part 1This is Part 1 of a two-part series. This course helped SLPs build a repertoire of social communication intervention strategies and improve functional outcomes with evidence-based treatment plans for students Pre-K to 6th grade. Individual case studies will demonstrate how social communication disorders present in a variety of diagnostic categories. Practical tools for treatment from the therapy room to the classroom - including collaboration with other professionals - will be discussed.9499OnlinePT60M
This is Part 1 of a two-part series. This course helped SLPs build a repertoire of social communication intervention strategies and improve functional outcomes with evidence-based treatment plans for students Pre-K to 6th grade. Individual case studies will demonstrate how social communication disorders present in a variety of diagnostic categories. Practical tools for treatment from the therapy room to the classroom - including collaboration with other professionals - will be discussed.
4https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/autism-neurodiversity-1033757Autism and NeurodiversityThis course will review the concept of neurodiversity as it pertains to autism spectrum disorder, clarifying aspects of terminology, framework, and beliefs and comparing this model with the medical model.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlySpeechPathology.comwww.speechpathology.comAutism and NeurodiversityThis course will review the concept of neurodiversity as it pertains to autism spectrum disorder, clarifying aspects of terminology, framework, and beliefs and comparing this model with the medical model.1033757OnlinePT60M
This course will review the concept of neurodiversity as it pertains to autism spectrum disorder, clarifying aspects of terminology, framework, and beliefs and comparing this model with the medical model.
5https://www.speechpathology.com/slp-ceus/course/practical-treatment-approach-for-students-9515A Practical Treatment Approach for Students with Social Communication Disorders in Schools, Part 2This Part 2 of a 2-part series focused on functional social communication intervention for grades 7 thru 12 into adulthood. Treatment plans and case studies are presented to highlight techniques for engaging teens & adults in therapy, tips for extending social communication strategies into the classroom, and methods for helping adults overcome social anxiety.auditory, textual, visual129USDSubscriptionUnlimited COURSE Access for $129/yearOnlineOnlySpeechPathology.comwww.speechpathology.comA Practical Treatment Approach for Students with Social Communication Disorders in Schools, Part 2This Part 2 of a 2-part series focused on functional social communication intervention for grades 7 thru 12 into adulthood. Treatment plans and case studies are presented to highlight techniques for engaging teens & adults in therapy, tips for extending social communication strategies into the classroom, and methods for helping adults overcome social anxiety.9515OnlinePT60M
This Part 2 of a 2-part series focused on functional social communication intervention for grades 7 thru 12 into adulthood. Treatment plans and case studies are presented to highlight techniques for engaging teens & adults in therapy, tips for extending social communication strategies into the classroom, and methods for helping adults overcome social anxiety.
