Welcome to the Website for Speech & Language Therapists working with people with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Wales!
The RoyalCollege of Speech & Language Therapists outlines the role of SLTs working with individuals with autism in Communicating Quality 3 (2006) as follows:
To contribute to the diagnosis of ASD as a key member of the Multi-Disciplinary Team. For children, the core team consists of a paediatrician/psychiatrist, clinical psychologist and a SLT. For adults, the core team consists of a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist and SLT.
To provide individuals with the means to make free choices, express their feelings, to learn, and to increase their independence.
To provide an environment which maximises opportunities for individuals to develop their receptive and expressive communication skills.
To provide carers and educators with the means to support individuals. This includes ensuring that carers and educators are able to use appropriate systems and levels of communication when interacting with individuals, e.g. use of Alternative/Augmentative communication, communication aids, communication methods such as PECS, ‘Comic Strip Conversations’ and ‘Social Stories’, narrative therapy and systems to support routine and structure involving an appropriate level of reference (e.g. objects, photos, pictures, gestures, symbols, etc).
This website is intended to provide Speech & Language Therapists with a ‘virtual’ meeting place where they can share ideas and concerns, seek information and support from colleagues, and access opportunities for Continuing Professional Development.
