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(Rockville, MD - March 31, 2009) The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's (ASHA) Web site and its 130,000 members offer a wealth of information regarding communication disorders, including autism spectrum disorders. Autism is of interest year-round but more so this week in recognition of World Autism Day, April 2. ASHA-member speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play a key role in the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of autism throughout the person's life. In fact, SLPs are oftentimes the first group of professionals who recognize that a child has autism.
"ASHA shares World Autism Day's goal of increasing world knowledge of autism," ASHA President Sue Hale says. "Visitors to our Web site will find information and resources for those seeking help and support for a loved one with autism."
Those concerned their child might have autism may be interested in listening to a podcast that addresses the importance of early intervention. Featuring ASHA-member and SLP Amy Wetherby, PhD, additional topics of why diagnosis of autism is increasing, common symptoms, misconceptions, and future research and treatments are included in the podcast.
ASHA's Web site also has many fact pages devoted to autism. Answers to questions such as "what is autism?" "what are the signs?" and "how is autism diagnosed and treated?" are available online. Scientific articles published by ASHA can also be found online.
Those in need of a qualified SLP or audiologist can visit ProSearch, ASHA's online directory, to find a professional in their area.
An upcoming research article entitled "Defining Spoken Language Benchmarks and Selecting Measures of Expressive Language Development for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders" will be published in the June issue of the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research. The article reports that a child's language should be measured in a number of ways. These include language samples, parent report, and formal tests. Using only parent report or one test is not enough. The article also helps explain how a child with autism develops language. A podcast is scheduled for June. Details will be available soon.
For more information on autism, or other communication disorders, consumers may call (800) 638-8255 or visit www.asha.org.
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About the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
ASHA is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for more than 130,000 audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists. Audiologists specialize in preventing and assessing hearing and balance disorders as well as providing audiologic treatment including hearing aids. Speech-language pathologists identify, assess, and treat speech and language problems including swallowing.
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