UNLOCKING COMMUNICATION: What New SLPs Need to Know About ASD - March 13th, 2026

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UNLOCKING COMMUNICATION:

What New SLPs Need to Know About ASD

Presenter:

Jan M. Downey, MA, CCC-SLP, TSHH

Abstract:

This course will present essential information for new speech-language pathologists (SLPs) providing services to individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A summary of evidence-based therapeutic strategies based on the science of applied behavior analysis (ABA) will be discussed

Learner outcomes:

1. Participants will define the diagnostic criteria of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as stated in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Addition Text Revision (DSM-5-TR, 2022) along with its three severity levels.
2. Participants will describe the speech, language and communication characteristics of individuals with ASD.
3. Participants will identify the unique learning styles of many individuals with ASD.
4. Participants will identify potential challenging behaviors that interfere with learning.
5. Participants will describe a variety of evidence-based teaching strategies to decrease maladaptive behaviors and increase acquisition of adaptive and effective communication skills

Time Order Agenda:

10 minutes          Current diagnostic criteria and severity levels for autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
20 minutes          Speech, language and communication characteristics along with unique learning styles of many individuals                                 with ASD
10 minutes          Challenging behaviors that interfere with the acquisition of communication skills
15 minutes          Evidence-based teaching strategies to decrease maladaptive behaviors and increase acquisition of adaptive                               and effective communication skills
5 minutes           Questions and answers

Disclosure statement: Jan M. Downey is an employee of Eden II Genesis Programs and the parent of two adult sons with ASD; she has no other relevant relationships to report

Contact outreach@eden2.org if there is a need for accommodations.

Intent to Earn ASHA CEUS:
By requesting ASHA CEUs, you grant permission for your information to be submitted to the ASHA CE Registry.

Satisfactory Completion Requirement: Learner Assessment:
Learners seeking ASHA CEUs must provide a brief self-reflection statement that focuses on understanding of the content, the presenter’s delivery, and your overall experience. Completed self-reflections must be emailed to Jan M. Downey, ASHA CE Administrator for Eden II Programs, at speechceadmin@eden2.org no later than 3/20/26 to be eligible to
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