Dr. Lina Slim

Bio:

Dr. Lina Slim, is a dually certified SLP & BCBA-D with over 30 years-experience, specializing in the diagnosis and management of children with autism, neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorders, and apraxia. She is Founding Executive Director of ASAP – A Step Ahead Program, LLC, since 2004. Dr. Slim is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCSPP), ABA Online Program, and Seton Hall University, Masters in ABA Program.

Dr. Slim’s clinical and research interests focus on disseminating best practices in the application of the science of behavior analysis, training staff to gain competencies in the application of behavior learning principles, empowering families with the knowledge and skills necessary to advocate for implementation of best practices for their children, and promoting a culture that embraces interprofessional education and collaborative practices, practices that embrace cultural and linguistic sensitivity and humility, and have a family centered approach.

Dr. Slim presents and consults nationally and internationally, in the areas of autism, apraxia, speech-language assessment and interventions, evidence-based practices, parent and staff training, and interprofessional education and collaborative practice, and has published peer-reviewed research.

Dr. Slim is the recipient of the 2005 Children Empowerment Award, the 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 ASHA ACE award. and the 2014 New Jersey Speech-Language-Hearing Association (NJSHA) Distinguished Clinical Achievement Award. She is Chair of NJSHA Interprofessional Autism Conference (IPAC), Board of Directors Member of the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT), Co-Chair of the NJSHA-NJABA Collaborative Practice Group, Chief Communication Officer Liaison of Behavior Analysis and Supervision SIG (BASIGS) to the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), Board Member of ABAC, Inc., Internal Continuing Education Committee (ICEC), Executive Member of the Speech Pathology and Applied Behavior Analysis (SPABA) ABAI SIG and the BACB Subject Matter Expert on the Item Review Committee. Dr. Slim is an ABAI approved coordinator for the Versified Course Sequence (VCS) for the BCBA certificate, at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC), Child and Youth Psychiatry – Mental Health Training Institute. Dr. Slim is a full member of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), NJSHA, NJABA, ABAI, and the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA).

Abstract:

Chapter 13: CULTURALLY AWARE PRACTICE
Cultural Considerations for Delivering Effective Treatment

As autism prevalence increases worldwide, coupled with the international mobility of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (Behavior Analyst Certification Board, 2020), these professionals are called to serve culturally and linguistically diverse families. To better guide families in the assessment and selection of effective treatments, behavior analysts must consider cultural values, norms, and preferences in their practices as these factors influence the families’ adoption and acceptance of effective treatments. Autism provides an example that is especially challenging, as there is no well-established cause across cultures. In the absence of a known scientific explanation, families may attribute the cause and selection of treatment approaches through their cultural lens belief system (e.g., karma, Allah’s will; acupuncture, herbal medicines, Ayurveda). This chapter aims to first, raise awareness around the importance of understanding diversity in linguistic and cultural norms, values, and practices, as well as describe how this diversity can impact treatment outcomes; second, highlight some obstacles to adoption of effective treatments and offer suggestions to address these challenges and reduce the dangerous influences of pseudoscience.

Abstract:

Chapter 19: GLOBAL IMPACT
Standing for Science Takes a Village – An International One

Outside the United States, many children with autism reside in countries where access to the very best that science has to offer is limited. There are several barriers that these children and their families face such as misinformation, lack of resources and providers in the community, fewer laws and standards mandating quality, and their own sociocultural norms. We would like to highlight some of the efforts that the Association for Science in Autism Treatment carried out to promote the global dissemination of science-based autism treatment. We believe these efforts may better position communities to consider and incorporate science-based treatment, and to be less susceptible to the dangerous byproducts of pseudoscience (e.g., potential harm, poor outcomes, depletion of precious resources, distrust in the professional community). Science matters – no matter where you live.