How Do Speech-Language Pathology Social Communication Interventions Incorporate the Strengths and Perspectives of Autistic Children and Their Families: A Scoping Review.

purposeIt is important to understand how social communication interventions for autistic people align with neurodiversity-affirming approaches, including strength-based and family-centered care principles. In this scoping review, we explored how the strengths and perspectives of autistic children and their families are included in speech-language pathology social communication interventions. We searched OVID Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases, used supplementary search methods, and conducted a gray literature search. Data were extracted using the Population, Concept, and Context framework for scoping reviews. MAJOR

findings26 articles were included in our analysis. Most studies described only deficits associated with autism. Most studies explicitly reported parents' perspectives on intervention goals, activities, or outcome measures; children's perspectives were rarely included. Most speech-language pathology documents from the gray literature recommended strength-based, and family-centered service delivery.

conclusionStrength-based and family-centered values have been recommended in speech-language pathology practice for decades yet were not consistently reflected in social communication interventions for autistic children. Our discussion offers several suggestions for taking a strength-based approach to speech-language pathology practice and advancing child and family involvement toward shared decision-making. Our ideas may prompt speech-language pathology researchers and clinicians to reflect on their own approaches to autism and social communication interventions.Lay Abstract/Plain Language Summary