Social Skills Training: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Framework
Course: #10200Level: Intermediate 1.5 Hours 5466 Reviews
This course provides an overview of contemporary autism research regarding neurodiverse social communication and discusses the practice implications for SLPs. Topics include autistic cultural competence, clinical priorities, client goals, and consideration for outcomes.
Preview Exam
On Demand
Course Type: Video
CEUs/Hours Offered: ASHA/0.15 Intermediate, Professional; Calif SLPAB/1.5; IACET/0.2; IBCCES/1.5; Kansas LTS-S1370/1.5; SAC/1.5
Course Preview
Watch the first six minutes of the course. Register for immediate access to the full course, which will also appear on your Pending Courses page.
Learning Outcomes
- After this course, participants will be able to identify at least one reason for SLPs to discontinue the practice of training autistic people to adapt and conform to neurotypical social communication standards.
- After this course, participants will be able to list at least two findings from the research demonstrating evidence that autistic people's social behavior includes effective communication and effective social interaction.
- After this course, participants will be able to describe 2 SLP practice priorities to replace social skills training.
Course created on July 26, 2022
Agenda
| 0-5 Minutes | Introduction |
| 5-10 Minutes | The 17-year problem |
| 10-40 Minutes | Current research |
| 40-50 Minutes | Social interaction |
| 50-70 Minutes | Masking, eye contact and monotropism |
| 70-75 Minutes | So, what's left? |
| 75-85 Minutes | Goal makeovers |
| 85-90 Minutes | Summary, Q&A |
Reviews
5466 Reviews
by
Member
on
December 21, 2024
The instructor’s unique perspective added credibility to the discussed research.
by
Member
on
December 20, 2024
Excellent. Changes thinking in this area.
by
Megan
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December 19, 2024
I liked the examples given, but visuals typically help me to learn better and I wish there were more visuals. Explanations of studies between "autistic" and "non-autistic" got confusing without having a visual to refer to. Otherwise, interesting presentation.
by
Kristen
on
December 19, 2024
This course was wonderful. Thank you Julie!
by
Jenna
on
December 19, 2024
EXCELLENT presentation. LOVE this
by
Member
on
December 19, 2024
I am an SLP but also a mom of 26 yo male identical twins that have ASD. They say they are “each other’s best friend”. They socialize with family and caregivers, but haven’t sustained friendships made during their youth. We’re a military family, also, so moved often. They received some ABA therapy, but I now see how Neurodiversity is a more positive, empowering and helpful way to view autistic individuals. I enjoyed and learned a lot from this course!
by
Member
on
December 17, 2024
Related to current caseload; ASD
by
Member
on
December 16, 2024
She presented clear facts and provided examples.
by
Member
on
December 14, 2024
Important neurodiversity affirming information for working with our clients!
by
Marilyn
on
December 14, 2024
There is an assumption that all SLPs don't already do what presenter is talking about. Our clinic is 43 years old and from day 1 we were some of the first to teach respect for people with autism and to assist them in their goals no matter the level of ASD they are labeled. Research can be misleading when trying to make global statements. Every person with autism that I have worked with have been different and wanted different things , I respect that. we never let ABA in our clinic.
by
Sarah
on
December 14, 2024
She explained things very well with helpful examples.
by
Lori
on
December 13, 2024
Such good explanations! Best course I’ve had on this topic.
by
Member
on
December 13, 2024
Excellent course!
by
Member
on
December 13, 2024
It helped me to better understand how an autistic person views social situations and that it is ok to accept the differences.
by
Nicole
on
December 13, 2024
Provided excellent re-wording of goals to better support our students.
by
Chaya
on
December 12, 2024
I no longer practice as an SLP but my son is getting evaluated right now for Autism and this course really opened my eyes as to how I can be the best parent for him.
by
Member
on
December 10, 2024
Was good to see typically written SLP goals side by side with better goals for self-advocacy and authentic self.
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Karen
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December 9, 2024
this was great! I would love to see more from this presenter, especially how she runs her therapy sessions- see her doing therapy with students. I learned a lot.
by
Maria
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December 8, 2024
I loved her personal experiences and expertise. I also loved the fabulous resources she shared with us!
by
Jennifer
on
December 7, 2024
I appreciated that the presenter was herself autistic and shared her experiences. It all just makes sense!
by
Damariz
on
December 7, 2024
Research findings
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Teresa
on
December 6, 2024
I'm an autistic SLP and this course helped me gain confidence in my neurodiversity affirming therapy approach! My district has BCBA's and it is a constant battle and exhausting, but I will continue to advocate for my students. I'm going to print out all this research! love it!
by
Hannah
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December 5, 2024
I am very passionate about neurodiversity affirming care and wish that this was a required area of education for all SLPs who are practicing. Very important research
by
Member
on
December 4, 2024
Good information.
by
Jackie
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December 2, 2024
I truly appreciated the research and the access to the infographics, as well as the guidance for how to share the information with parents and colleagues.
by
Member
on
December 2, 2024
Changed the way I will think about providing services and determining eligibility.
by
Member
on
December 2, 2024
Having an autistic SLP deliver the course felt more authentic
by
Ashley
on
November 26, 2024
LOVED this! will be sharing the handouts and the information on goals will be useful to support schools in developing appropriate goals.
by
Member
on
November 24, 2024
I used social thinking for years and you delivered a new perspective.This leaves me thinking, and thanks!
by
Member
on
November 20, 2024
I would have preferred more examples of goals. Also, this course seems to be geared toward older children or children who have good verbal skills. I don't think that was reflected in the title. Finally, I would like more information about who would pay for the inclusivity training.
by
Member
on
November 19, 2024
I loved this course! I wish this presenter had a q&a!
by
Margaret
on
November 19, 2024
Wow! Thank you for sharing so articulately the way social skills training negatively impacts our students, as ways as alternate ways to help support our students.
by
Michelle
on
November 18, 2024
Invaluable perspectives and information were shared by this presenter.
by
Member
on
November 15, 2024
Thank you for sharing your story, and the story's of others in similar situations. It was very inspiring and imformative.
by
Member
on
November 14, 2024
Fantastic course
by
Gwendolyn
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November 12, 2024
I loved the information on communication skills in the autistic with autistic pairs. I also was pleased with all of the handouts that were offered. The information on social skill "training" for persons with autism was very informative.
by
susan
on
November 12, 2024
It showed me a very different way of understanding social communication skills of people with h autism. It also made me quite ashamed of some of the goals I have written for students with autism.
by
Member
on
November 7, 2024
very applicable to daily practice in school settings
by
Member
on
November 6, 2024
I was very pleased to see a presentation about the harms of 'training' behaviors in autistic individuals, particularly when it comes to social skills.
by
Jenna
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November 1, 2024
There need to be more trainings like this. Thank you.
by
Kelli
on
October 31, 2024
The speaker outlined specific goals that she uses with students and then also compared the autistic masking goals to self-advocacy goals.
by
James
on
October 29, 2024
I have attended a live webinar taught by Julie Roberts in the past, and her presentations are thoughtful, informative, and thought provoking. She effectively outlines current standards and how those standards can be harmful to our autistic clients, as well as changes/solutions to adjust our therapy practices to be more inclusive to our clients.
by
Sarah
on
October 29, 2024
As a speech pathologist and a mom of an autistic son, the research and education you are imparting to kids, schools, and parents has been sorely needed for a long long time. Your course is very effective at empowering therapists to be a catalyst to empower students in life changing ways and to pioneer a culture change in the schools. As a mother, it was dehumanizing to navigate with and advocate for my son against a deep embedded culture. Thank you, Julie!!
by
Tamara
on
October 28, 2024
As you stated "evidence based research" is very important. However, it really was the life experiences you shard that made me stop and think about how I can be a better SLP in regards to how I support my students with autism.
by
Member
on
October 27, 2024
Lots of information to give to parents and teachers about Neurodiversity to help increase Acceptance
by
Member
on
October 23, 2024
There was a lot of information about what not to do and how it’s harmful but very little about what we SHOULD do.
by
Member
on
October 21, 2024
Goal revision examples
by
Member
on
October 20, 2024
It had so much information that it took me 3 hours to get through because I had to process and write it down--I really enjoyed all of her thoughts/ideas. I would love to have her speak inn my district!
by
Member
on
October 17, 2024
It really changes my perspective on how I was doing therapy in the past and gave me insight into immediate changes I will make going forward in therapy with autistic people
by
Laura
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October 16, 2024
Getting the viewpoint from an autistic person. Given makeovers of the IEP goals. All the research is very helpful.
by
Member
on
October 11, 2024
The course provided information about research that I did not know existed. There are multiple helpful resources. The speaker has helped to change my view which hopefully will help me to change the way I have been providing services to autistic students in order to help them have greater life satisfaction.
by
Member
on
October 11, 2024
This is a new way of thinking for me when it comes to working with neuro atypical persons and social communication. I will be implementing these ideas
by
Member
on
October 11, 2024
The course was very informative
by
Member
on
October 11, 2024
I will change my therapy approach to meet the needs of the person with Autism.
by
Member
on
October 10, 2024
So neurodiversity affirming! Provided clear, solid evidence about the negative impacts of social skills training, and provided helpful alternatives that you can actually put into practice.
by
Member
on
October 9, 2024
I liked that the course was from an Autistic perspective.
by
Member
on
October 7, 2024
Such a refreshing perspective of social communication for autistic individuals and non-autistic individuals. The research presented ignited a fire within to re-examine pragmatic therapy and how to better advocate for my students with autism.
by
Member
on
October 7, 2024
The entire field of speech pathology needs to hear this and adapt their practice.
by
Louise
on
October 3, 2024
I feel that I have learnt a lot more about neurodiversity and how to write goals for my autistic students. I find myself disagreeing with certain aspects of her presentation as anecdotally I do not find that autistic people necessarily communicate better with other autistic people. I am curious to read the articles she provided citing this evidence. This is a good thing because I am relying on all valid evidence. I appreciate her presentation and the opportunity to learn more.
by
Member
on
October 2, 2024
I liked this course, however would like more examples of lessons and treatment in action.
by
Karla
on
October 2, 2024
I loved how the presenter is neurodiverse herself, and shared her real-life situation and her feelings in that scenario so that others can understand what is going on in another autistic person’s mind when they are taught to mask. I also appreciated examples of IEP goals to replace ableist goals that we see. I also appreciate the visuals and the links to the visuals to share with families and with the IEP team.
by
Member
on
September 27, 2024
I welcomed this new perspective and feel it will inform my future goal-writing and therapy. For this reason, I rated it Excellent. However, at the same time, I feel like it was a little dogmatic in faulting SLP's for their "ableism." It didn't address the question - what if you have a kid whose conversational/social skills style makes it hard for him/her to make friends with autistic peers? I liked the goal rewrites - would like more of that - rather than just fault-finding.
by
Member
on
September 27, 2024
Hearing from an Autistic SLP's personal experiences who embedded evidenced-based research throughout the course. Thank you Julie for this eye-opening presentation!
by
Michele
on
September 26, 2024
The instructor cited a great deal of research and included her own lived experience, which I found incredibly interesting and helpful.
by
Member
on
September 26, 2024
Great info about current research, resources, and goal ideas
by
Member
on
September 25, 2024
As SLPs, we think we need to "help" autistic students with social skills, but we may be harming their skills. This course showed how we can help by teaching advocacy and empowering our autistic students.
by
Member
on
September 23, 2024
Very important information for all SLPs.
by
Member
on
September 22, 2024
This was an excellent course because it looked at research that showed that autistic people do not need social skills training as they are able to interact well with autistic peers and it's a mismatch in the person rather than a deficit in the autistic person that causes awkward interaction between autistic people and non-autistic people.
by
Member
on
September 21, 2024
The research and supplemental educational information was very helpful. More time and discussion would have made this course better as it is a topic that deserves more attention.
by
Stephanie
on
September 18, 2024
A different diversity-focused perspective on social skills work with people on the autism spectrum
by
Member
on
September 13, 2024
great info !
by
Member
on
September 11, 2024
I really liked the reworking of the previous goals to reflect a better understanding and acceptance of diversity in communication styles.
by
Jennifer
on
September 11, 2024
Julie's unique perspective as a person with ASD helped me to understand why working on social skills goals and eye contact is not beneficial. I think all clinicians working with students with ASD should listen to this webinar.
by
Member
on
September 11, 2024
I really appreciated the research presented and how the push of neurotypical social skills can impact neurodiverse individuals.
by
Member
on
September 6, 2024
I really liked the examples of how to change goals and what to target in therapy using an affirming framework.
by
ANN
on
September 5, 2024
Thank you so much for this short course!! Very important information about how we as SLPs can advocate for neurodiversity.
by
Member
on
September 3, 2024
Included important information from autistic perspectives, encouraged neurotypical providers to re-think goals that could be harmful.
by
Member
on
August 30, 2024
I appreciate the first hand experience of this presenter.
by
Member
on
August 28, 2024
I am very interested in this topic and enjoyed the goal examples.
by
Member
on
August 26, 2024
There was adequate information to support the course outcomes and research that was applicable.
by
Tamara
on
August 22, 2024
This course is essential to any professional working with people w autism
by
Beth
on
August 22, 2024
I think much of the information was great and as an SLP with almost 30 years experience I will need to investigate and further pursue the research presented in this training. This is very interesting but I have concerns for neurotypical individuals and the future of creating their own "culture" based on a diagnosis that we still don't know much about and is somewhat subjective in making despite having the ADOS. I believe there are standards to society and changing those based on a diagnosis???
by
Sarah
on
August 20, 2024
This course is exactly what I've been looking for: a well-researched presentation, supported meaningfully by personal experience, that gave me the evidence "ammunition" to support my practice and ideas about areas to target and goals to write. One of my biggest takeaways is that often there is no goal to write, and instead we should provide accommodations and train others to understand and respect neurodiversity. Now we need to figure out how to adjust the school model to make this possible!
by
Claire
on
August 19, 2024
I so appreciate the distillation of the research here as well as the pdfs shared. In my opinion, this is probably the most important topic for school based providers today. The profession needs to modify practices and promote acceptance ASAP rather than teaching autistic kids to conform. Thank you!
by
Lara
on
August 3, 2024
I like to learn something new in these courses. I learned about the research (although some of it I was familiar with), but more importantly I learned more about application of the research through your goal suggestions. I have been moving towards these goals, but this has helped me to sharpen my thinking more.
by
Karen
on
August 1, 2024
I am highly motivated to learn different ways to work with and support my students who have characteristics of autism or any neurodivergent behaviors. My daughter recently was diagnosed with ADHD and Autism and as a family we are learning to communicate more effectively. I also have a diagnosis of ADHD and this information touches on my own educational and social experiences. Thank you.
by
Grace
on
July 31, 2024
Hearing her personal story was very impactful. I also loved the strong base in research. I’m eager to share what I’ve learned!
by
Karla
on
July 27, 2024
The clarity of the points and clear expectations.
by
Jessica
on
July 25, 2024
I loved the goal makeover section. I have struggled with knowing goals are not neurodiversity affirming, but not knowing that it's acceptable to just replace a goal with an accommodation or eliminate it altogether. This will help me feel more confident in my decision making and gave me some research and rationales to support my decision to parents/other IEP team members.
by
Member
on
July 25, 2024
Very interesting and pertinent information!
by
Lori
on
July 22, 2024
It was a wonderful course. I loved the examples of how to work with autistic clients in neuro-affirming ways. I would love a follow-up regarding more specific ways to implement these new approaches in public school settings!
by
Rebecca
on
July 19, 2024
I really appreciated the entire course: the research/articles to support the change and the experience of making change one school at a time. The task of educating and helping to change the medical model approach in schools seems so overwhelming but this course has given me hope that it is possible. Thank you!
by
Member
on
July 18, 2024
The instructor provided a helpful perspective towards social skills training. I really enjoyed this course!
by
Emily
on
July 17, 2024
This is a must-watch course for any SLPs working with autistic people! Especially helpful for those of us who have been out of school for awhile - unfortunately, many of the “bad goal” examples are things I regularly saw during my grad school training and work. Thanks to courses like this, I’m getting a much-needed update to my perspective on autism. Really appreciate the presenter’s perspective, all the research she included, and the examples of specific goals.
by
Member
on
July 15, 2024
It provided research and also explained what we should be working on. It showed how to change goals to make them more neurodiversity affirming.
by
Anita
on
July 14, 2024
It really opened my eyes to my own ablism!
by
Janet
on
July 13, 2024
articulate, well-informed presenter who is part of the group she discussed. Lots of information that was well-organized. Thought-provoking. I will share this information with the educational teams at my school and throughout the district. So many opportunities to effect change!
by
Susan
on
July 11, 2024
This is one of the best courses I have taken in this area. The updated goal information was absolutely fantastic. I work in an ABA clinic and have always felt that the social skills training I often witness is just not right/not natural. This course gives me the confidence in updating to new best practices.
by
Member
on
July 10, 2024
It brought so many things into perspective that I haven't thought about. For example, my child is high functioning autistic and as his mom and therapist, we have been working on learning all those typical socialization skills. However, this workshop made me realized how wrong I was and I should be helping him to self advocate, problem solved and accept his different socialization skills and it is okay. Training non autistic people accept autistic is crucial in my kid's life and for others too
by
Member
on
July 10, 2024
Learning about the research outcomes on social skills training.
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Presented By
Julie Roberts
MS CCC-SLP
Julie Roberts, founder of Therapist Neurodiversity Collective, is a late-identified Autistic CCC-SLP who has been practicing for over 20 years. Julie has worked in both pediatric and adult settings, including public schools, as a private practice owner, a Multi-state Regional Clinical Director, and a National Field Director of Corporate Compliance for the nation’s largest provider of rehab post-acute care. Julie’s articles and educational resources have reached well over three-quarters of a million people.
More
Presenter Disclosure: Financial: Julie Roberts was paid an honorarium for this presentation. She is Founder and CEO of the Therapist Neurodiversity Collective and owner of Bayou City Speech & Language, a consultancy and contracting agency. Nonfinancial: Julie is a late-identified Autistic CCC-SLP.
Sponsor Disclosure: This Course is presented by SpeechPathology.com, a Continued site.
Content Disclosure: This learning event does not focus exclusively on any specific product or service.
Sponsor Disclosure: This Course is presented by SpeechPathology.com, a Continued site.
Content Disclosure: This learning event does not focus exclusively on any specific product or service.
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