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The Benefits of Interprofessional Practice

Historically Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) and ABA professionals have not always seen eye-to-eye. While we recognize there can be mixed feelings, this post is not meant to sway anyone's opinion, but rather be a space to share how passionate we are, not only about SLP & ABA collaboration, but interprofessional collaboration altogether.


We believe the fields of SLP & ABA benefit from collaboration and are complementary fields, especially when working with autistic individuals.

  1. Collaboration: SLPs and Board Certified Behaviour Analysts (BCBAs) frequently work together when addressing the needs of individuals with communication and behaviour challenges, such as individuals with autism spectrum disorders. This collaboration ensures that both speech and behaviour issues are comprehensively addressed.

  2. Complementary: While SLPs primarily focus on communication and language development, BCBAs concentrate on behaviour and skill acquisition. These two fields often overlap, as language deficits can lead to behavioural challenges, and vice versa. Therefore, the services provided by SLPs and BCBAs can be complementary.

  3. Comprehensive Care: When individuals require both speech and behaviour interventions, collaboration between SLPs and BCBAs can result in a more comprehensive approach to treatment. This approach aims to improve communication skills while also addressing challenging behaviours or barriers to effective learning that may hinder the individual's progress.

  4. Individualized Plans: Both fields recognize that one-size-fits all is not an effective approach to treatment and interventions need to be individualized. SLPs and BCBAs can work collaboratively to create individualized treatment plans tailored to the specific needs and goals of the client.

  5. Data Sharing: Both SLPs and BCBAs often collect data to track progress and make informed decisions about treatment adjustments. Sharing this data can provide valuable insights into the client's overall development and help fine-tune intervention approaches.

  6. Family and Individual Centered Care: Everyone on the team is first and foremost concerned with the individual's best interests and are there to support them and their family. Collaboration between SLPs and BCBAs should involve working closely with families and caregivers to select relevant, functional goals. A family and individual centered approach ensures that everyone involved in the individual's care is on the same page, promoting consistent and effective support.

In our clinical practice, in addition to SLP & ABA professionals we have had the immense privilege of working with and learning from many professionals including:

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  • Occupational Therapist

  • Physiotherapists

  • Psychiatrists

  • Psychologists and Psychotherapists

  • Opthamologists

  • Nutritionists and Registered Dieticians

  • Dentists

  • Family doctors


In our practice we have seen first hand how interprofessional practice and collaboration can be magical. We love learning from other professionals both in and across other areas of practice and aim to approach all collaborations with an open mind.

Want to learn more about SLP & ABA Collaboration?

Have a resource you want to see included here? Message us so we can add it!

 
 
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