Early identification of autism: Roles of the speech-language pathologist and audiologist on a transdisciplinary team

Audiologists and speech-language pathologists are frequently two of the earliest professional contacts a family may have when they suspect a child may have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This article will describe the necessity for early, accurate identification and commencement of intervention services for children (and their families) suspected of having an ASD. It will focus on the assessment process after the pediatrician and/or parents identify the need for further evaluation and have referred the family for a comprehensive developmental assessment. Due to the range of syndrome presentations and the potential for multiple areas of developmental concern, diagnosis of a young child suspected of having an ASD can become a complex process. Current best practice suggests the need for a transdisciplinary team approach when evaluating young children with disabilities. Emphasis on the cohesive team process, the role of parents (and caregivers) as active team participants, and specifie issues for audiology and speech-language pathology are discussed.