SLP-ABA: Collaborating to support individuals with communication impairments.

Abstract

Abstract This paper addresses collaboration between professionals in the fields of speech-language pathology and applied behavior analysis (SLP and ABA). Although the fields of SLP and ABA each address a wide range of different concerns, they share an interest in supporting individuals with communication impairments. However, despite this significant area of overlap, the history of collaboration between these professionals has varied markedly over the past 50 years. This paper provides (a) a historical sketch of events that have led to renewed interest in collaboration among professionals within these fields. (b) the advantages of collaboration, and (c) suggestions for ways to strengthen current levels of collaboration in the service of individuals with communication impairments. Keywords: Applied Behavior Analysis, Speech-Language Pathology, Scope of Practice, Collaboration, History. Introduction The fields of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and speech-language pathology (SLP) each have a unique but overlapping range of interests. ABA professionals offer support for a wide variety of problems that challenge individuals and organizations in the performance of socially-valued verbal and nonverbal behaviors (e.g., BACB, no date). The scope of practice for SLP professionals is limited to communicative enhancement, although the types of problems requiring intervention are as diverse as the communication system itself (e.g., developmental and acquired language disorders, speech production impairments, voice and fluency problems, augmentative and alternative communication needs, dysphagia, and others) (ASHA, 2001). An overlap between ABA and SLP professionals involves support for the needs of individuals with communication impairments, including the reduction of problem behaviors that stem from inadequate communication skills. Despite this significant overlap, the history of collaboration between professionals in these fields has varied over the years. The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief historical sketch of the relationship between the professions of ABA and SLP; to discuss current avenues and benefits of collaboration; and to suggest ways of strengthening this collaboration in the service of individuals with communication impairments. A Brief Historical Sketch Many changes have occurred over the past 50 years in the practices of ABA and SLP. This is not at all surprising for at least three reasons. First, each profession has a relatively short history and a complex range of interests as noted above. Second, the context of service delivery, including evolving theoretical frameworks and consumer demands, has influenced the work of professionals in each field. Third, each profession has a commitment to evidence-based practice, which forces change in response to new findings. Changes in theoretical frameworks have had considerable impact on the practice of SLP. Some of these changes widened the gap between the fields of SLP and ABA while others had the opposite effect. For example, in the period between 1950 and 1975, the application of behavioral techniques to clinical practice was frequently reported in the SLP literature and in other literature consumed by SLP professionals. Some of the earliest articles refer to stimulus presentation and reinforcement (e.g., Enquist & Wagner, 1950), as well as response shaping and modeling (e.g., Backus & Beasley, 1951; Bloodstein, 1950). Moreover, behavioral techniques were used to treat a variety of speech-language problems, including disorders of articulation (e.g., McReynolds, 1966; Sommers et al., 1966), fluency (e.g., Brookshire & Martin, 1967; Brutten & Shoemaker, 1967), voice (e.g., Shriberg, 1971), and language (e.g., Baer & Guess, 1971; Holland & Harris, 1968; Sailor & Tackman, 1972). An excellent review of details regarding the integration of behavioral techniques within the profession of SLP is provided by Ogletree & Oren (2001). …