How to Find a Speech Therapist for Autism
What parents need to know about autism and AAC — and how to find the right SLP.
Why Autism Requires a Specialist SLP
Children on the autism spectrum often have complex communication profiles that go beyond simple speech delays. They may have strong vocabulary but difficulty with social communication and pragmatics. They may be nonspeaking or minimally speaking and need AAC (augmentative and alternative communication). Or they may have a combination of language strengths and significant social communication challenges. Not every SLP has training in autism-specific approaches — and the wrong approach can set back progress.
What to Look for in an Autism SLP
Look for an SLP who specifically lists autism or social communication in their specialty area, and who has experience with:
- AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) — If your child is nonspeaking or minimally speaking, find an SLP with AAC experience. This includes high-tech devices (Tobii Dynavox, Proloquo2Go), low-tech systems (PECS, core boards), and the LAMP (Language Acquisition through Motor Planning) approach.
- ESDM (Early Start Denver Model) — An evidence-based early intervention approach for toddlers with autism.
- Social Communication Intervention — For children who speak but struggle with back-and-forth conversation, perspective-taking, and social pragmatics.
- Gestalt Language Processing — A newer framework for understanding echolalia and supporting gestalt language learners.
Questions to Ask Before Your First Appointment
- What percentage of your caseload is children with autism?
- What approaches do you use for nonspeaking or minimally speaking children?
- Are you trained in AAC? What devices or systems do you work with?
- How do you involve parents in sessions?
- How do you track progress and communicate with families?