School speech & language services for children with autism spectrum disorder an analysis of parent perspectives on therapy options, IEP meetings & speech-language pathologists /

by Shedden, Cathryn L.

SCHOOL SPEECH & LANGUAGE SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: AN ANALYSIS OF PARENT PERSPECTIVES ON THERAPY OPTIONS, IEP MEETINGS & SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS By: Cathryn L. Shedden The purpose of this study was to obtain information on parent perspectives on the speech and language services their children with autism receive in schools. Fifty-five parents of children with autism spectrum disorder completed a survey containing items concerning parental feelings regarding therapy options, IEP meetings, and speechlanguage pathologist (SLP) behaviors. Results suggested parents are satisfied with the speech and language services provided to their children with autism in five public school districts in southeastern Ohio. Results indicated significant correlation between parent feelings toward therapy and attitudes toward SLP attributes as well as between parent feelings toward IEP meetings and attitudes toward SLP attributes. Limitations of the study, future research, and clinical implications are discussed.