Speak Out February 2021 DIGITAL EDITION

Application Using the Professional Standards in my context

The Professional Standards have far-reaching implications and a range of applications. Speech Pathology Australia Senior Advisor Disability, Amy Fitzpatrick, describes how she has started thinking about how the Standards apply in her work with the Association. "I spent some time over summer getting to know the new Professional Standards for Speech Pathologists in Australia (Professional Standards). Do you know what I found? There are similarities with other key documents Standard 3.2a states that assessment information should be gathered from a variety of sources to understand both a person or communities’ strengths, and the reason they might be seeking speech pathology services Standard 3.2b states that speech pathologists use each contact with the individual or community to contribute to ongoing individual assessment or community needs assessment. "Reviewing the Professional Standards with a big picture view has enabled me to see overlapping terminology and themes which will help me in the advocacy work I do in the disability sector. "It has also given me a fresh way to describe skills that new graduate speech pathologists possess within this sector and to clearly describe the role of the speech Professional Standards

I refer to, and themes that are transferable to many areas of my work. So, while they are “new”, I can see immediate ways to think about them and apply them. "For example, I have been reviewing A National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Australia (National Guidelines). Interestingly, there are key similarities with the Professional Standards regarding the purpose of assessment and diagnosis, and the content of reports and other documentation. Here are two key items I discovered: Recommendation 5 recommends that the process of assessing for autism uses a strengths-based approach, and that the resources and support networks of the person are recognised and considered equal to the limitations the person may have Recommendation 8 recommends that the process for assessing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) concerns incorporates a comprehensive needs assessment, as well as a diagnostic evaluation. pathologist in the diagnosis of autism. "I can also see many other opportunities for using the Professional Standards to help me advocate for and advise others. "I look forward to continuing to see the overlaps and using them to advantage the people I work with." National Guidelines

Putting it all together You will find all the pieces to put together a proactive plan to implement the Professional Standards on the website. Find the links to Q&A sessions, download the Professional Standards and more...

www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/professionalstandards

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Speak Out | February 2021