Perceptions of Applied Behavioral Analysis in Speech-therapy with Individuals with Autism

Speech language pathologists in the pediatric setting will typically find themselves working with children with autism and implementing behavior management strategies in order to implement the most effective therapy. Many of these behavior management strategies fall under the category of applied behavioral analysis, however applied behavioral analysis is not widely implemented as a whole in speech therapy. This thesis reviews current literature regarding autism, behavior management, and Applied Behavioral Analysis in speech therapy; and how speech language pathologists currently perceive applied behavioral analysis and its usefulness in speech therapy. General findings of this thesis revealed that the majority of speech language pathologists feel comfortable addressing repetitive behaviors, restlessness, and talking loudly to themselves. However, speech language pathologists do not feel comfortable addressing children with autism not being toilet trained and having aversions to food or drinks