Training and Knowledge in Autism Among Speech-Language Pathologists: Follow-Up Study of Schwartz and Drager (2008)

Purpose: This study examined the training and knowledge of current practicing speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and their perceived competence in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is a follow-up to Schwartz and Drager (2008), with some modifications reflecting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition changes. Method: Participants were recruited in California and asked to respond to a 47-item survey. Schwartz and Drager's (2008) survey was used with some modifications. Items reflected background information, clinical/educational training, knowledge of diagnostic criteria for and characteristics of ASD, and participants' self-perceived competency in working with autistic clients. Results: Eighty-nine completed responses were analyzed. Compared to Schwartz and Drager (2008), more participants in the present study had received autism courses in their training programs. Participants were knowledgeable about ASD characteristics such as hypersensitivity (100% correct response) and difficulty in joint attention (98% correct response). However, their knowledge regarding ASD as a genetic and developmental condition was relatively weak. Their knowledge regarding ASD diagnostic criteria remained weak, as had been reported in Schwartz and Drager. The majority of participants (89%) in the current study felt competent developing treatment goals and comfortable counseling families from culturally/linguistically diverse backgrounds (83%). Only 35% felt competent using the ASD screening test, Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers–Revised with Follow-Up. Conclusions: The present study found similarities to Schwartz and Drager's (2008) results but showed improved course offerings regarding autism in training programs. SLPs' understanding of ASD diagnostic criteria, including ASD screening, was weak, while the participants felt competent in treating autistic clients. Future research should investigate these questions with SLPs from across the United States and in varied work settings to check for generalizability.