Speech Sound Disorders in Children with ASD: ​A Comparison of SLP vs. ABA Approaches

Abstract

Record ID: 143

Program Affiliation: Capstone

Presentation Type: Poster

Abstract: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are more likely to have higher rates of articulation and phonological disorders typically developing children. Speech-language pathologists (SLP) are the professionals who diagnose and treat speech sound disorders (SSD). The professionals who work with children with ASD include therapists from the field of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). ABA is an interpersonal therapy in which a child works with a practitioner one-on-one. The goal is to improve social skills by using interventions that are based on principles of learning theory. They may address speech sound disorders using a variety of methods that are congruent with ABA learning theory. This literature review describes and compares the methods used by SLP and ABA professionals in the treatment of speech sound disorders. Included is a list of recommendations from the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) with tips for parents and other professionals who work with children who have SSD.