Speech-Language Pathology Assistants : A Resource Manual

Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs) are paraprofessionals who support certified Speech-Language Pathologists. This is the only book for and about SLPAs and is an essential, practical resources for SLPAs and for and also SLPA educators and their students. It used as the primary textbook for courses on SLP assisting.

The new third edition of the bestselling Speech-Language Pathology Assistants: A Resource Manual is an essential, practical, and easy-to-use resource for SLPAs and SLPA educators and their students. The text defines the roles of SLPAs and their supervisors - offering additional insight into the scope of practice of an SLPA per current American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) recommendations - and includes discussions, strategies, and examples of real-world issues, such as using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and working with individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Also included within the chapters are important factors and modifications that can enhance the effectiveness of treatment activities. For example, using behavioral principles and incorporating play, literacy, and speech sound remediation into treatment or modifying the clinical interface to enhance group therapy dynamics for children and adults. Initial chapters are devoted to specific aspects of an SLPA's development, such as chapters on ways SLPAs can enhance clinical service through understanding of goals, lesson plans, data collection, and note-writing. Likewise, chapters on professional practice offer insight into ethical problem-solving, presenting a professional image, developing mentoring relationships, working with culturally and linguistically diverse populations, and the use of self-reflection for self-improvement. These chapters are followed by key principles for SLPAs to incorporate in clinical services provided to specific populations and disorders.