Centre of Excellence for Persons with Autism:-

The Centre of Excellence for Persons with Autism is an Institution launched by the Government of Tamil Nadu and registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, 1975. The Centre’s mandate is to deliver comprehensive, integrated and accessible services that empower individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and support their families across Tamil Nadu. Adopting a multidisciplinary, life-cycle approach, the Centre addresses the unique needs of individuals with ASD across all age groups, from early identification and early intervention in young children, to specialized education, skill development, vocational training and sustainable livelihood support for adolescents and adults. Through evidence-based practices, specialized care and cross-sectoral collaboration, the Centre strives to build an inclusive society where individuals with Autism can achieve their maximum potential and lead dignified, independent lives.

Job Description:-

Sector / Domain Experience:-Speech-language pathology (valid RCI registration required) 

Key Skills:-Mastery of pediatric motor speech disorders | ASD-specific communication protocols | social-pragmatic skill training | dysphagia management | advanced AAC integration | Fluency in Tamil & English
Reporting Authority:-Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Salary:-Commensurate with Experience
Location:-Based in Chennai Occasional travel across India as required (infrequent/as needed)

Key Roles and Responsibilities:-

● Conduct comprehensive clinical evaluations for complex speech, language, cognitive-communication and swallowing/feeding disorders across pediatric and adult populations diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

● Evaluate and recommend advanced Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) solutions, including high-tech speech-generating devices, eye-gaze systems and robust PECS frameworks.

● Differentiate between Analytic Language Processors and Gestalt Language Processors (GLP) to identify stages of Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) and tailor intervention accordingly.

● Perform differential diagnosis of subtle phonological, motor-speech, pragmatics deficits in higher language skills, language difficulties and literary difficulties.

● Design, implement, and audit evidence-based Individualized Education/Treatment Plans (IEPs/ITPs) targeting complex communication needs, social-pragmatic deficits, and echolalia management (supporting transition from unmitigated gestalts to self-generated language).

● Provide specialized therapy targeting verbal/ non-verbal communication, expressive/receptive language, voice, fluency and oral-motor/swallowing function.

● Implement structured behavior-supported communication strategies to reduce communication-induced frustration and behaviors of concern.

● Mentor Junior Speech Therapists and interns, providing regular case reviews and clinical guidance.

● Assess motor speech disorders including Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) using evidence-based approaches (DTTC and PROMPT)

● Review diagnostic reports and treatment plans of Junior Speech Therapists.

● Partner with Pediatricians, Occupational Therapists, Clinical Psychologists and Special Educators to create integrated, holistic care pathways.

● Conduct structured caregiver training sessions and home-program orientations to ensure therapy generalization across environments.

● Maintain meticulous clinical notes, progress reports and standardized outcome measurements.

● Support the Deputy Chief Executive Officer and clinical leadership in curriculum development, therapy protocol design and expanding clinical service offerings at the Centre.

Master of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (MASLP) or Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (M.Sc SLP), along with AVAZ or PECS certification and DTTC or PROMPT certification

Minimum 10 years of professional experience, with 3 years specifically in Autism Care

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