Neurodiversity Affirming Practices in Speech Pathology

With the rise of knowledge of the Neurodiversity Movement in speech-language discourse, clinicians find themselves tasked to affirm their autistic students' identities through creative, compassionate, and patient speech-language practice. Simultaneously, educator, clinician, and student burnout post the Covid-19 Pandemic is rampant, making such a radical shift in practice and outcomes difficult to realistically obtain. In this presentation, Rachel Dorsey, MS, CCC-SLP will examine the roles of mental and sensory wellbeing in linguistic, social-pragmatic, and socioemotional development for autistic clients. Clinical analysis, goal writing, and problem-solving will be demonstrated through several case studies. Discussion will focus on the complexities and nuances of real life clinical decision-making, ultimately landing on plans of care that are both client and clinician-affirming.

At conclusion of this workshop, a certificate will be provided to each participant reflecting 6.0 Continuing Education Units.