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see also: Main Story | ASHA's Autism Documents | Autism Video Glossary | References
Historically, the diagnosis of autism has been strictly the purview of the medical community. ASHA, however, recently issued policy statements that recognize the critical role of SLPs in the diagnostic process. ASHA's position statement notes, "Speech-language pathologists who acquire and maintain the necessary knowledge and skills can diagnose ASD, typically as part of a diagnostic team..." (ASHA, 2006, p. 1; online at ASHA's Practice Policy). SLPs are often the first professionals to recognize the communication delays, social limitations, and repetitive behaviors that characterize autism (ASHA, 2006).
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