This two part episode explores:

1. Using the SPIKES model as a useful tool to format conversations around the Autism evaluation and eligibility process within the educational setting
2. Systems-wide changes SLPs need to support families through this process

As it stands now, the Autism evaluation process in the preschool and school-age population is overwhelming for parents to navigate. What doesn't help? As SLPs, graduate school didn't prepare many of us for these conversations, and many of us don't have the supports we need at work to truly spend the time we need educating and supporting families through this process.

This episode provides a framework for structuring conversations with families (SPIKES protocol) with examples tailored towards the educational eligibility process, and ideas for how workplaces can better support SLPs through the pre-assessment, evaluation, and eligibility process so we (as SLPs) have the time and resources we need to better support families through this evaluation and eligibility process.