10 Collaboration Tips for SLPs and Behavior Analysts Treating Students With Autism

Many students with autism work with a team of professionals on a regular basis. Those teams might include a speech-language pathologist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, intervention specialists and behavior analyst. SLPs and behavior analysts treat people with autism and—especially in school settings—these two professionals often work together to help the same students. They also share several areas of expertise, so they might find handling their overlap of services challenging. However, when SLPs and behavior analysts forge a collaborative, positive and effective relationship, the sky is the limit for students! Professionals working toward common goals help their students increase overall engagement and decrease disruptive behavior. Teamwork between SLPs and behavior analysts can also better teach our students to develop and use functional communication skills across a variety of instructors and environments. Here are ten tips to help initiate and maintain a collaborative process with behavior analysts. Take time to introduce yourself and talk with one another. Often, a behavior analyst might work as a contractor, so they might be a new member of the educational team. Although you’re probably swamped, the small gesture of introducing yourself can go a long way in developing a productive working relationship. Share current progress regarding communication goals. Highlight areas in which the student has made good progress, as well as trickier target goals. E...
Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Press Releases - Category: Speech-Language Pathology Authors: Tags: Speech-Language Pathology Autism Spectrum Disorder Language Disorders Professional Development Schools Source Type: blogs