When people are diagnosed with a disease that can affect their development such as Autism spectrum disorder, it is important they work with specialists who can provide the proper therapy. People with social communication difficulties, as seen with Autism spectrum disorder experience, have trouble using verbal and nonverbal communication in social settings. Speech-language pathologists can assess, diagnose, and treat speech and language disorders. They can also help individuals with social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders. Speech-language pathologists, working as a part of an interdisciplinary team, can be particularly important in the assessment and diagnosis of Autism spectrum disorder.Nationally more than 50 percent of speech-language pathologists practice in schools, and others work in private practices, and inpatient and outpatient healthcare facilities. In many of these settings, speech-language pathologists collaborate as a part of an interdisciplinary team to provide complete care to individuals. Other members of the team may include audiologists, physicians, social workers, and physical therapists.
There are currently 2,720 speech-language pathologists licensed to practice in the state. Speech-language pathologists who meet the statutory and rule requirements are licensed by ADHS. Parents and others interested in finding a speech-language pathologist are encouraged to use AZ Care Check, our searchable database for licensed facilities and individual providers. The tool also includes information about deficiencies found against providers.
