ETS Domain: Treatment

Praxis 5331 Autism Questions

Autism items on the Praxis focus on early identification, evidence-based interventions (naturalistic, developmental, ABA-informed), and social communication supports. Expect 4-6 items.

Why this topic matters

Joint attention is a foundational milestone — often the correct 'first target' answer.
Naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions (NDBIs) are the current standard.

High-yield concepts

Joint attention emerges 9-12 months; a red flag if absent by 12 months.
ADOS-2 is the gold-standard diagnostic instrument (administered by trained clinicians).
NDBIs: JASPER, ESDM, PRT — evidence-based early intervention.
AAC is often appropriate — no prerequisites.
Social Communication Emotional Regulation Transactional Support (SCERTS) — comprehensive framework.

Sample practice questions

Try answering before revealing the rationale — mark misses to retry later.

Q1.A 14-month-old does not respond to name, does not point to show, and does not follow a caregiver's gaze. The MOST appropriate first action is:

A.Recommend a full autism-specific evaluation
B.Wait 6 months and rescreen
C.Recommend articulation therapy
D.Refer for hearing evaluation only

Show answer & rationale

Correct: A. Absent joint attention and non-response to name by 14 months are red flags warranting an autism-specific evaluation. Waiting delays access to early intervention, which has the strongest evidence.

Q2.Which intervention approach is BEST supported for a 3-year-old newly identified with autism?

A.Discrete trial ABA only
B.Naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention (e.g., ESDM)
C.Wait-and-see
D.Sensory integration alone

Show answer & rationale

Correct: B. NDBIs like ESDM combine developmental and behavioral principles in naturalistic play routines and have the strongest early-intervention evidence for young autistic children.

Q3.A minimally verbal 6-year-old with autism uses gestures inconsistently. The MOST appropriate SLP action is:

A.Trial AAC (low-tech or high-tech)
B.Refuse AAC until verbal ability improves
C.Focus only on articulation drills
D.Recommend the child be excluded from mainstream classes

Show answer & rationale

Correct: A. AAC has no prerequisites and does not inhibit verbal development. A minimally verbal 6-year-old should be trialed with AAC to expand communication access immediately.

Common wrong-answer traps

Delaying autism referral to 'watch and wait' — early intervention has stronger evidence than delay.
Refusing AAC to 'preserve' verbal speech.
Endorsing sensory integration alone as evidence-based communication treatment.

Study moves this week

Memorize 3 autism red flags by 12 months.
List 3 NDBIs and one signature technique of each.
Read ASHA's autism practice portal (30 minutes).

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FAQ

Do SLPs diagnose autism?

SLPs contribute to the diagnostic team but the formal diagnosis is typically made by a psychologist or developmental pediatrician using the ADOS-2 and DSM-5-TR criteria.

Is ABA the only evidence-based autism intervention?

No — NDBIs (JASPER, ESDM, PRT) integrate behavioral and developmental principles and have strong evidence, especially for young children.

Should I use person-first or identity-first language?

Follow client and family preference. Many autistic adults prefer identity-first ('autistic person'); many families use person-first. Praxis accepts either.

Praxis 5331 Autism Questions

Why this topic matters

High-yield concepts

Sample practice questions

Common wrong-answer traps

Study moves this week

Want 400+ scenario questions with rationales?

FAQ

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