Multidisciplinary Intervention for Autism: Bridging Speech Pathology and Behavior Analysis

Abstract: Due to the amount of crossover between the professions, intense collaboration is often necessary between speech-language pathologists and Board-certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). This presentation aims to highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the treatment and support of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). With the increasing recognition of autism’s complexity, there is a growing need to integrate expertise, knowledge and skills from various disciplines to address the diverse challenges faced by individuals with ASD and their families while prioritizing client-centered care.

Description: Title: "Multidisciplinary Intervention for Autism: Bridging Speech Pathology and Behavior Analysis"
This presentation focuses on the collaboration between speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and behavior analysts in the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Both disciplines play critical roles in addressing the communication, social, and behavioral needs of individuals with autism. However, integrating these two approaches can be challenging due to differing methodologies and priorities.
In this session, attendees will explore strategies for aligning the goals of speech therapy and applied behavior analysis (ABA) to create cohesive, individualized treatment plans.
When professionals collaborate effectively, aligning their goals and interventions, speech and behavior therapists can create a comprehensive plan that addresses both communication and behavioral challenges, leading to stronger and more sustainable learner outcomes. Ultimately both disciplines have the same goals for the ASD client including:
• Improved Communication Skills
• Increased Functional Communication
• Enhanced Social Interaction
• Reduction in Challenging Behaviors
• Generalization of Skills Across Environments
• Self-Regulation and Independence

Through case studies, examples, and practical tools, participants will learn how to foster seamless collaboration, improve communication between disciplines, and enhance outcomes for individuals with autism. The presentation will also address common challenges in multidisciplinary intervention and provide actionable solutions for effective teamwork.
The positive impact of successful collaboration will be addressed providing salient examples from case studies. Successful collaboration addresses speech therapists work on language comprehension and literacy, while behavior therapists ensure learners remain focused and motivated during academic tasks. Behavior therapists help learners transfer skills to new settings, while speech therapists ensure that communication skills remain applicable in diverse contexts. Speech therapists focus on teaching functional language, while behavior therapists ensure these skills are practiced consistently in real-life contexts through positive reinforcement. Behavior therapists identify and address behaviors that hinder communication, while speech therapists provide alternative, more effective communication strategies (e.g., using words instead of acting out, Augmentative and alternative forms of communication). Speech therapists teach pragmatic language skills, while behavior therapists help reduce barriers to social engagement, such as challenging behaviors or social anxiety. Speech therapists focus on language development and functional communication, while behavior therapists help reinforce communication behaviors through consistent practice and reinforcement.

Attendees will leave with a better understanding of how speech and behavior approaches can complement each other, as well as concrete strategies to implement in their daily practice. This session is ideal for professionals seeking to improve their interdisciplinary collaboration and maximize therapeutic impact.

Supporting Research: Reference 1: Effective collaboration: Maximizing outcomes in autism intervention in an interdisciplinary model.
Weiss, Mary Jane Tereshko, Lisa Bowman, Kristin Marshall, Kimberly Rose, Karen
Weiss, M. J., Tereshko, L., Bowman, K., Marshall, K., & Rose, K. (2022). Effective collaboration: Maximizing outcomes in autism intervention in an interdisciplinary model. In J. B. Leaf, J. H. Cihon, J. L. Ferguson, & M. J. Weiss (Eds.), Handbook of applied behavior analysis interventions for autism: Integrating research into practice (pp. 125–149). Springer Nature Switzerland AG. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-96478-8_8

Supporting Research: Reference 2: Article - Behavior Analysis
Child Communication Research and Practice: Collaborative Roles for Behavior Analysts and Speech-Language Pathologists
Justin D. Lanehttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-8268-819X1 and Jennifer A. Brownhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-5732-55222

Supporting Research: Reference 3: Child Communication Research and Practice: Collaborative Roles for Behavior Analysts and Speech-Language Pathologists
Justin D. Lane
Sage Journals, Volume 10, Issue 1, March 2023, Pages 104-112© The Author(s) 2022, Article Reuse Guidelineshttps://doi.org/10.1177/23727322221144652Article - Behavior AnalysisChild Communication Research and Practice: Collaborative Roles for Behavior Analysts and Speech-Language PathologistsJustin D. Lanehttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-8268-819X1 and Jennifer A. Brownhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-5732-55222”

Supporting Research: Reference 4: ASHA WIRE
The ASHA Leader Live
10 Collaboration Tips for SLPs and Behavior Analysts Treating Students With Autism
By Rosemarie Griffin
May 18, 2017

Supporting Research: Reference 5: