Autism and Neurodiversity: Addressing Concerns and Offering Implications for the School-Based Speech-Language Pathologist

Author(s):  
Laura S. DeThorne ◽  
Kelly Searsmith

Purpose The purpose of this article is to address some common concerns associated with the neurodiversity paradigm and to offer related implications for service provision to school-age autistic students. In particular, we highlight the need to (a) view first-person autistic perspectives as an integral component of evidence-based practice, (b) use the individualized education plan as a means to actively address environmental contributions to communicative competence, and (c) center intervention around respect for autistic sociality and self-expression. We support these points with cross-disciplinary scholarship and writings from autistic individuals. Conclusions We recognize that school-based speech-language pathologists are bound by institutional constraints, such as eligibility determination and Individualized Education Program processes that are not inherently consistent with the neurodiversity paradigm. Consequently, we offer examples for implementing the neurodiversity paradigm while working within these existing structures. In sum, this article addresses key points of tension related to the neurodiversity paradigm in a way that we hope will directly translate into improved service provision for autistic students. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.13345727

Author(s):  
David M. Rehfeld ◽  
Tracey N. Sulak

Purpose Children with speech sound disorders feature prominently on the caseloads of speech-language pathologists working in schools, with many receiving services once or twice weekly for 20–30 min. This study compared the outcomes of services provided twice weekly for 30 min to those provided 4 times weekly for 15 min to examine their effectiveness in remediating speech sound disorders in an elementary school setting. Method A total of 35 students were recruited from an existing public school caseload for participation. Participants were randomly assigned to receive school-based speech therapy services for either 30 min twice weekly or 15 min 4 times weekly. There were no differences between groups in age, gender, or the amount of time spent in general education. Growth was measured by the percentage of Individualized Education Program goals mastered and the percentage of sounds produced correctly in isolation. Results After one calendar year, there was a negligible difference between groups on both the percentage of Individualized Education Program goals mastered and the percentage of sounds produced correctly in isolation. On average, both scheduling configurations were effective in meeting students' needs. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that children with speech sound disorders receiving school-based speech therapy services can benefit from a variety of scheduling options. Awareness of such options is an invaluable resource to speech-language pathologists wanting to provide effective and efficient services. Future research should continue investigating service delivery models' effects in applied settings.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (02) ◽  
pp. 161-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alyssa Coreno ◽  
Angela H. Ciccia

AbstractAttention to pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) has grown in recent years, likely due to the increased awareness of mild TBI (mTBI) in contact sports. With this increased attention, along with an increased diagnosis of injury, more students with TBI need services, especially as they return to the classroom environment and progress through school. Support of students with TBI of all severities requires an interdisciplinary team with the school-based speech-language pathologist playing a critical role. The purpose of this tutorial is to provide a clinically focused summary of the complexities that exist for students with TBI of all severities and practical steps that can be implemented in clinical practice to enhance service provision for students with TBI.


1983 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara W. Travers

This paper presents strategies for increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of the school-based speech-language pathologist. Various time management strategies are adapted and outlined for three major areas of concern: using time, organizing the work area, and managing paper work. It is suggested that the use of such methods will aid the speech-language pathologist in coping with federal, state, and local regulations while continuing to provide quality therapeutic services.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-54
Author(s):  
Kimberly A. Murza ◽  
Barbara J. Ehren

Purpose The purpose of this article is to situate the recent language disorder label debate within a school's perspective. As described in two recent The ASHA Leader articles, there is international momentum to change specific language impairment to developmental language disorder . Proponents of this change cite increased public awareness and research funding as part of the rationale. However, it is unclear whether this label debate is worthwhile or even practical for the school-based speech-language pathologist (SLP). A discussion of the benefits and challenges to a shift in language disorder labels is provided. Conclusions Although there are important arguments for consistency in labeling childhood language disorder, the reality of a label change in U.S. schools is hard to imagine. School-based services are driven by eligibility through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which has its own set of labels. There are myriad reasons why advocating for the developmental language disorder label may not be the best use of SLPs' time, perhaps the most important of which is that school SLPs have other urgent priorities.


2009 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-9
Author(s):  
Jill Parmenter ◽  
Sheryl Amaral ◽  
Julia Jackson

Abstract The Professional Performance Review Process for School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists (PPRP) (ASHA, 2006) was developed in response to the need for a performance review tool that fits school district requirements for performance review management while addressing the specific roles and responsibilities of a school-based speech-language pathologist (ASHA, 2006). This article will examine the purpose and components of the PPRP. A description of its use as a tool for self-advocacy will be discussed. Strategies for successful implementation of the PPRP will be explained using insight from speech-language pathologists and other professionals familiar with the PPRP.


2011 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-11
Author(s):  
Janet Deppe ◽  
Marie Ireland

This paper will provide the school-based speech-language pathologist (SLP) with an overview of the federal requirements for Medicaid, including provider qualifications, “under the direction of” rule, medical necessity, and covered services. Billing, documentation, and reimbursement issues at the state level will be examined. A summary of the findings of the Office of Inspector General audits of state Medicaid plans is included as well as what SLPs need to do in order to ensure that services are delivered appropriately. Emerging trends and advocacy tools will complete the primer on Medicaid services in school settings.


2000 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas J. O'Toole

The public schools must follow laws that deal with services for children who meet the legal requirements for having a disability. Children who have swallowing disorders that require the services of a speech-language pathologist typically meet the definition of a child with a disability. This article addresses the importance of the speech-language pathologist being aware of legal requirements for the provision of services as well as liability, ethical, and risk management issues related to the provision of such services. Financial considerations relating to service provision are also described.


2004 ◽  
Vol 70 (4) ◽  
pp. 391-412 ◽  
Author(s):  
David W. Test ◽  
Christine Mason ◽  
Carolyn Hughes ◽  
Moira Konrad ◽  
Melia Neale ◽  
...  

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