Short Course Description

This course covers strategies for working with autistic individuals and adapting speech interventions for coexisting speech sound disorders and autism. Participants will learn to facilitate motor learning, apply motor-based treatment methods, and address important considerations when working with autistic individuals with coexisting speech sound disorders.

Full Course Description

Special considerations and modifications are needed when providing speech sound intervention to autistic children. Traditional motor-based approaches may need to be modified to accommodate the needs of autistic individuals. This course will discuss considerations for working with autistic individuals and potential adaptations to current speech interventions to facilitate effective clinical service delivery in coexisting speech sound disorder and autism. Participants will learn strategies to facilitate motor learning, methods for applying integral components of motor-based treatment, and important considerations when working with autistic individuals with coexisting SSD. 

Learning Outcomes

• Analyze 3 strategies for facilitating motor learning
• Describe 3 treatment components of motor-based sessions
• Identify 3 special considerations when working with autistic individuals and SSD

Agenda

6 mins → Introduction
6 mins → Current research for motor speech interventions
6 mins → Applying neurodiversity-affirming practices and bodily autonomy
51 mins → Modifications to motor speech intervention
5 mins → Closing Remarks

Additional Required Reading Materials

• Neurodiversity-Affirming Motor Speech Intervention for Autistic Individuals with Co-Existing Childhood Apraxia of Speech: A Tutorial

Certificate of Completion Requirements

To receive the certificate of completion and/or ASHA CEUs, participants must meet the following criteria:

• Watch the full duration of the course video.
• Read the Neurodiversity-Affirming Motor Speech Intervention for Autistic Individuals with Co-Existing Childhood Apraxia of Speech: A Tutorial paper.
• Complete a test based on the learning outcomes and receive a score of >80%.
• Complete a post-course program evaluation survey.

Deadline: Complete the test and post-evaluation survey by Thursday, July 31st, 2025 - 11:59 PM EST!

Dr. Jennifer Moore, EdD CCC-SLP, PC/I, COM

Dr. Jennifer Moore is a speech-language pathologist with over 15 years of clinical experience. She is the co-owner of a multidisciplinary private practice in northern New Jersey. She is a PROMPT Certified Instructor and a Certified Orofacial Myologist (COM®). Dr. Moore is a recognized expert in motor speech development and disorders. Her research focuses on pediatric motor speech disorders as well as autistic children who present with co-occurring motor speech deficits. Her framework for neuroaffirming motor speech intervention has been published in an international journal. Additionally, she has presented her research and tutorials at multiple state, national, and international conferences. Dr. Moore is also the founder of Next Level Motor, an online professional community that provides advanced training and resources for speech-language pathologists worldwide. Her mission is to bridge the research-to-clinic gap by developing evidence-based resources for practical clinical application. and remains dedicated to advancing clinical excellence through education and research.

Aravind Namasivayam, Ph.D., Reg. CASLPO, S-LP (C)

Dr. Aravind Namasivayam is an internationally recognized expert in speech motor control and speech disorders in children, with a clinical degree in Speech-Language Pathology, and a specialization in Neuroscience at the Doctoral/Post-Doctoral level. He has led several governmental and industry-funded randomized clinical trials, resulting in policy changes at the governmental level and the development of evidence-based care pathways for children. He has published 53 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and has over 80 international conference presentations and workshops. Dr. Namasivayam has received several awards at the national and international level from various organizations, such as the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (USA), Stuttering Foundation of America (SFA), Apraxia Kids and the prestigious National award for Excellence in Applied Research from the Speech-Language and Audiology (SAC), Canada. He routinely teaches speech physiology, research methods, and speech sound disorders in children at the University of Toronto. In 2018, he founded the Speech Research Centre Inc. with the aim of making evidence-informed practice accessible to frontline clinicians worldwide. Dr. Namasivayam is also the co-founder of Hear2Speak.org, a non-profit organization for improving speech pathology and audiology services in majority countries.

Jamie Boyle MS, CCC-SLP

Jamie Boyle is an autistic speech-language pathologist and owner of Speech Baby LLC in Philadelphia. Her mission over the last several years has been sharing neurodiversity-affirming practices that align with the Autistic community. In 2022, alongside a fellow autistic professional, she co-founded a volunteer group in Philadelphia with a shared goal of bridging the gaps within our community for interdisciplinary support and education. In addition to providing education to professionals within our community of what autism is and what autism is not, she has also educated a growing number of specialists of various professional backgrounds on the importance of providing neurodiversity-affirming care.  She is a co-author of the recently published article Neurodiversity-Affirming Motor Speech Intervention for Autistic Individuals with Co-Existing Childhood Apraxia of Speech: A Tutorial in the International Journal of Autism and Related Disabilities. She believes communication and education across professions, and contributions from neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals, is foundational to effecting change for better developmental and mental health outcomes for autistic individuals.