05/21/2026
Can SLPs diagnose Autism? Absolutely not.
Do we see signs as they pertain to speech, language, social communication, interaction, and gestures? For sure!
I will comment on these skills and bring them to a parent’s attention.
Do I use the word Autism right away? No. I give parents time to process my observations. I’ll ask them if they have noticed “XYZ.”
I may recommend further observation or refer to a developmental pediatrician or child psychologist right away.
I read the parents, and I meet them where they’re at, but I don’t shy away from the conversation. This ONLY happens once I really feel like I’ve gotten to know this child.
I’d rather be proven wrong or have a parent get upset with me than allow myself to be too nervous to speak up for a child.
I see too many kids in Elementary school that leave me thinking, “Who saw this and didn’t speak up?” (Granted, sometimes that is because parents were not ready to face the diagnosis and delayed or completely avoided therapies).
This is how some kids fall through the cracks.
I believe it’s my responsibility to advocate for kids who can’t yet. I dare say it’s wrong of us not to speak up.
