For parents with an Autistic child, it can feel overwhelming trying to figure out which healthcare professionals to turn to for support. Building a strong team of professionals, though, can make a huge difference in your child’s development and overall well-being. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of professionals you might consider adding to your child’s team, with a particular focus on speech-language pathology.
When you have the right team in place, things just seem easier and more possible. Taking the time to get the right support in place is a lot of work, but the time you spend up front will pay dividends into the future for you and your family.
First things first: it’s important to understand that every Autistic child is unique, so the specific professionals your child may need will depend on their individual strengths, challenges, and needs. That said, here are some of the more common healthcare professionals you might consider for your child’s team:
Pediatrician
This is usually the first professional you’ll turn to when you suspect your child has autism, or when your child has been diagnosed. Your pediatrician can help you understand your child’s diagnosis, provide medical management, and refer you to other specialists as needed. In BC, if your child is between the ages of 0 to 6, your pediatrician or General Practitioner may refer you for public health services. You can learn more about what is offered for free through our public health care system in the article: Accessing Public Health Speech Therapy services in BC for Children 0-5.
Psychologist or Psychiatrist
Psychologists or psychiatrists can provide mental health support and therapy for your child, as well as support for you and your family. They can also help with things like managing behaviors, anxiety, and depression.
Speech-language Pathologist
Speech-language pathologists (also called SLPs or Speech Therapists) work on improving communication skills, including expressive language (speaking and writing), receptive language (understanding spoken and written language), and social communication. They can also help with things like articulation (speech sounds) and stuttering.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists (OTs) work on helping children with autism develop the skills they need to be as independent as possible in their daily lives. This might include things like fine motor skills, sensory processing, and self-care skills.
Physiotherapist
Physiotherapists (PTs) can help children with autism improve their gross motor skills and overall physical function. This might include things like balance, coordination, and strength.
In BC, the Centre for Ability offers free early intervention services to families in the Lower Mainland. They help children aged 0 to Kindergarten-entry with suspected or diagnosed developmental delays or disorders to connect with occupational therapists and physiotherapists. Check out their website to learn more.
Finding a great Speech Therapist
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive a little deeper into speech-language pathology and why it’s such an important discipline for Autistic children.
One of the most common challenges for children with autism is difficulty with communication and social interaction. Speech-language pathologists are specifically trained to help children with these skills, and can make a huge difference in your child’s development.
SLPs can work with your child one-on-one or in a small group setting to improve their language skills. They may use a variety of approaches, including play-based therapy, visual aids, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices.
In addition to improving language and communication skills, SLPs can also help your child with other areas of development, such as social skills and play skills. By working on these skills, your child will be better able to interact with others and participate in activities they enjoy.
It’s worth noting that SLPs may also work with your child’s school to help with things like classroom accommodations and support. And, if your child is nonspeaking, an SLP can help you explore options for AAC, such as a communication device or sign language.
So how do you go about finding the right speech-language pathologist for your child? One option is to ask your pediatrician for a referral or ask for recommendations for other parents, trusted professionals, or teachers. If your child is diagnosed with ASD and is under the age of 6, you must find an SLP on the Registry for Autism Service Providers list. You can locate RASP professionals on this website.
Questions to ask a Speech Therapist
Once you have a list of potential SLPs, it’s important to do your research and ask questions.
Qualifications & Experience: When choosing an SLP, be sure to ask about their qualifications and experience, particularly in working with Autistic children.
Style & Approach: You’ll also want to ask about their approach to therapy and how they work with parents and caregivers. There are a broad range of speech therapists, and approach may vary significantly. In our view, it’s important your therapist’s style is well matched to your family to ensure long term success.
Rapport & Connection: While it’s important to find an SLP who is qualified and experienced, it’s also crucial to find someone who your child connects with and enjoys working with. Children are more likely to make progress when they are engaged and motivated, so be sure to involve your child in the decision-making process as much as possible.
Book a call to determine fit: It’s also a good idea to schedule a consultation with the SLP to get a better sense of their style and whether they would be a good fit for your child. During the consultation, be sure to ask about their treatment plan and how often they recommend therapy sessions.
As a parent of a child with autism, building a team of healthcare professionals can seem like an overwhelming task, but once you start finding the right people you and your child ‘click’ with, it gets easier. By focusing on speech-language pathology and other disciplines that address your child’s unique needs, you can help your child reach their full potential and lead a happy and fulfilling life.
If you are a parent of a child with autism and are looking to build a team of healthcare professionals, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Book a free consultation with Arbutus Speech Therapy to discuss options for your child, ask for recommendations from other parents, and do your research to find professionals who are qualified and experienced in working with children with autism. With the right team in place, you can make a real difference in your child’s development and future.
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