Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders

This practical, accessible text introduces pre-service SLPs to 12 evidence-based interventions that improve the communication and social skills of people with autism spectrum disorders. Enhanced with video clips, case studies, and learning activities.

For SLPs preparing to work with children who have autism spectrum disorders, selecting effective interventions for communication and social challenges is critically important. This accessible textbook gives SLPs the in-depth knowledge they need to evaluate, choose, and apply today's best interventions for communication and social interactions.

With contributions from 25 top autism experts across multiple disciplines, this student-friendly text gives SLPs a thorough introduction to 12 widely used evidence-based interventions, including:

Augmentative and alternative communication strategies
The Developmental Individual-Difference Relationship Based (DIR (R)) model
Enhanced Milieu Teaching
Functional communication training
Joint action routines
Peer mediated support strategies
Picture Exchange Communication System
Pivotal Response Treatment
Social Stories (TM)
Video modeling applications

To help readers find the information they need and compare interventions easily, each chapter clearly lays out key details on each intervention's theoretical and empirical basis, practical requirements, components, applications for both children and adults, and considerations for children from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Brief, illustrative video clips and case studies show the interventions in action, and helpful learning activities prepare SLPs to make sound decisions in scenarios they're likely to encounter in the field.