Lynnwood Speech and Language Services

The terms "evidence-based treatment" and "evidence-based practice" are often confused. While evidence-based treatments (EBTs) are interventions which have been proven effective through rigorous research methodologies, evidence-based practice (EBP) refers to a decision-making process which integrates the best available research, clinician expertise, and client characteristics. EBP is an approach to treatment rather than a specific treatment.

The intervention strategies used by the clinicians for the treatment of language, phonological/speech, reading and spelling delays or disorders are evidenced-based treatment approaches. There is solid and consistent research to support specific means to help remediate underlying deficits. Your clinician will be able to site the research for you.

With respect to treatment for children diagnosed with Autism, the clinicians use developmental approaches that target the core symptoms of ASD versus training a set of skills or behaviors. The research on the progression of typical child development is the foundation for these intervention programs. This means that the SCERTS and Floortime approachs are evidence-based practice. However, it is important to note that new research has been published showing the efficacy of these models for the treatment of affect development, speech and language development and/or social-communication development.

Your therapist will be able to provide you with summaries of research studies.

There are many intervention programs available that report significant changes in children. However, these methods have not stood up to the rigorous research methodologies and thus cannot be shown to be efficacious. Unfortuntately, anecdotal changes cannot be used as proof of effectiveness. 

The American Speech and Hearing Association provides position statements regarding a number of treatments and it is expected that members follow these guidelines or be in jeopardy of violating the ASHA Code of Ethics.