| Two groups -- 60 speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and 26 parents -- completed group-specific surveys. Only about 50% of SLPs and parents identified specific diagnostic criteria for autism, but over 90% correctly identified characteristics of ASD. Both groups rated eight tools considered within best practices for SLPs working with children with ASD as Important to Very Important; however, they rated SLP competency for these tools as Somewhat Competent to Competent. When surveyed regarding the importance of educational practices, parents rated the IEP process significantly higher than SLPs. Nineteen percent of SLPs self-reported as autism specialists, characterized by significantly more children with ASD on current and career caseloads, but 65% of SLP respondents showed interest in becoming specialists even if it meant additional training. Given increasing needs of individuals with ASD, future SLPs require additional training to be knowledgeable and competent when serving children with ASD. |
