Autism: Benefits of Speech-Language Pathology Services
How effective are speech and language treatments for autism?
ASHA produced a
treatment efficacy summary on autism
[PDF] that describes evidence about how well treatment works.
This summary is useful not only to individuals with autism and
their caregivers but also to insurance companies considering
payment for much needed services for autism.
What do SLPs do when working with individuals with autism?
In 2006, four documents were developed by ASHA outlining the
role of the SLP in working with individuals with autism, as well
as the knowledge and skills needed to serve this population:
The position statement listed above -
Roles and Responsibilities of Speech-Language Pathologists in
Diagnosis, Assessment, and Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Across the Life Span -
states that "speech-language pathologists play a critical
role in screening, diagnosing, and enhancing the social
communication development and quality of life of children,
adolescents, and adults with autism spectrum disorders
(ASD)." Further, "individuals with ASD should be
eligible for speech-language pathology services due to the
pervasive nature of the social communication impairment,
regardless of age, cognitive abilities, or performance on
standardized testing of formal language skills."
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