Why might a speech language pathologist not work with a patient with autism spectrum disorder?

Rare event!: An evaluation by an speech/lang path. Should be completed to determine social skill and communication needs. An appropriate treatment plan that meets the needs of the child & family can then be established. Treatment may include any combination of traditional speech & language approaches, augmentative & alternative communication, & behavioral interventions. Rule out hearing loss too!

Might not be needed: The only reason i can imagine they would not work with a patient on the autism spectrum is that they may feel they do not need any help or that it may not provide any additional benefit. I would ask the therapist directly their reason for not wanting to provide services.

Compliance & joint : Attention must be established first by intensive behavioral & educational interventions for a child with ASD to imitate gestures & sounds. Children >6 Y.O.Who have < 50 spontaneous functional words (e.g., used to get their needs met) may benefit more from a picture exchange system. Children >6 with normal cognitive skills (iq>70) may benefit more from group therapy for social communication.