Preparing speech-language pathologists as family-centered practitioners in assessment and program planning for children with autism spectrum disorder.
Family-centered care is a practice model that has been described in the literature for the past two decades. The evidence shows that when family-centered care is practiced, outcomes are enhanced for children with autism and other disabilities and their families and teams. This article reviews two innovative programs that practiced family-centered care in assessment and program planning for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The research indicates that the essential training elements required to transform speech-language pathologists (SLPs) from understanding family-centered care to being family-centered practitioners includes a focus on technical and leadership skills as well as a variety of experiences with families who have children with ASD. Preservice programs preparing SLPs and other health professionals must incorporate these essential elements of family-centered care training into their curricula. SLPs who are already practicing can use these key elements as a guide in seeking professional development opportunities.
Beatson
Jean E
JE
Vermont Interdisciplinary Leadership Education for Health Professionals (VT-ILEHP) Program, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont 05405, USA. jean.beatson@uvm.edu
D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005190:Family; D006801:Humans; D016487:Parenting; D010348:Patient Care Team; D018802:Patient-Centered Care; D013066:Speech-Language Pathology / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods