ERIC Number: EJ1341265
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022-Apr
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2381-473X
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Voices from the Field: Strategies for Effective Telepractice for Children with Autism Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, v7 n2 p324-337 Apr 2022
Purpose: Providing telepractice services to young children with autism who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can present many challenges for speech-language pathologists (SLPs). At the same time, telepractice can be a valuable service delivery option with unique benefits, such as improving partnerships with families, integrating AAC services with other educational services, promoting communication skills in natural settings, and addressing the need for clinicians with AAC experience in locations that have been underserved. The purpose of this study was to learn from SLPs utilizing telepractice about the strategies they found most effective in serving children learning to use aided AAC, particularly young children with autism. Method: Participants were 230 SLPs who responded to a national survey about using telepractice to serve children who use aided AAC. The survey occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, when more SLPs than ever before were navigating how to use telepractice effectively. Open-ended survey questions asked SLPs about advice and strategies they found to increase effectiveness. These responses were analyzed using an iterative, team-based approach to qualitative content analysis. Results: SLPs raised strategies to support the effectiveness of telepractice in three areas: (a) Be strategic about how to provide services. (b) Communicate and collaborate with others. (c) Keep learning and hold onto reasonable expectations. Conclusions: Telepractice can be an advantageous service delivery option for SLPs serving children with autism who use aided AAC. These strategies can help SLPs navigate challenges and support the effectiveness of their services.
Descriptors: Telecommunications, Children, Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Speech Language Pathology, Allied Health Personnel, COVID-19, Pandemics, Attitudes, Program Effectiveness, Delivery Systems, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Students with Disabilities, Elementary Secondary Education, Intervention
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. 2200 Research Blvd #250, Rockville, MD 20850. Tel: 800-638-8255; Fax: 301-296-8580; e-mail: perspectives@asha.org; https://perspectives.pubs.asha.org/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) (DHHS/NIH)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: UL1TR000445
Author Affiliations: N/A

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