About The Specialists
The Specialists is a small, woman-owned pediatric therapy practice based in Wayne, MI. We were built on the belief that meaningful relationships - with our clients, their families, and each other - are the foundation of great therapy. We take the time to truly know the children we serve and partner deeply with their families, because we know that lasting progress happens when trust is at the center of care.
We partner with ABA centers in Dearborn and surrounding communities to provide integrated, team-based services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related developmental needs. Our team is small by design - because we believe in quality over quantity and in showing up fully for every child and family we work with.
Position Overview
We are seeking a compassionate and forward-thinking Speech-Language Pathologist to join our team on a 1099 independent contractor basis. This role is for an SLP who is not just clinically skilled, but deeply committed to neuroaffirming, relationship-centered care - someone who sees each child as a whole person and approaches communication through a lens of acceptance, curiosity, and genuine partnership with families.
You will work across our Wayne clinic and contracted ABA partner sites in Dearborn and surrounding communities, serving primarily autistic children and their families. The ideal candidate has strong grounding in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), Gestalt Language Processing (GLP), and a current, evolving understanding of what it means to support communication in an affirming, individualized way.
Work Locations
- The Specialists Clinic - Wayne, MI (primary office location)
- Contracted ABA Centers - Dearborn, MI and surrounding communities
- Scheduling across both settings is flexible and determined collaboratively
Key Responsibilities
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Provide comprehensive speech-language evaluations and individualized treatment to autistic children across a wide range of communication profiles and support needs
- Center the child's communication goals within the context of their daily life, relationships, and what matters most to them and their family
- Use strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming frameworks that honor each child's unique way of communicating - including non-speaking and minimally-speaking individuals
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current research and evolving best practices in autism and communication support
Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)
- Conduct AAC feature matching evaluations and make individualized device and system recommendations across low-tech, mid-tech, and high-tech options
- Implement robust AAC systems with a presumption of competence - all means of communication are valid and valued
- Provide direct AAC therapy targeting language development, system navigation, and functional communication across contexts
- Train families, ABA staff, and caregiving teams on AAC modeling (aided language input), implementation strategies, and communication partner coaching
- Collaborate with device manufacturers, funding specialists, and families to support AAC access and funding advocacy as needed
Gestalt Language Processing (GLP)
- Conduct Natural Language Sample (NLS) analysis to identify gestalt language processing patterns and stage of language development
- Implement GLP-informed treatment that meets each child where they are in the Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) framework, supporting development from echolalia through self-generated language
- Create affirming, low-demand, language-rich environments that nurture spontaneous communication and self-expression
- Educate families and ABA partners on gestalt language processing - what it is, how it differs from analytic language development, and how to support it at home and in therapy
- Challenge deficit-based narratives around echolalia, recognizing and celebrating it as meaningful, communicative language
Neuroaffirming Care
- Practice from an explicitly neuroaffirming, identity-affirming framework that respects autistic identity, culture, and self-advocacy
- Center the autistic experience in goal-setting - prioritize communication for connection, agency, and quality of life over compliance or conformity
- Avoid approaches that suppress stimming, mask autistic traits, or prioritize neurotypical appearance over authentic communication
- Engage in ongoing professional reflection and learning to stay current with autistic-led perspectives and emerging research on affirming practice
Collaboration with ABA & Families
- Partner closely with BCBA and ABA therapy staff at contracted sites to align communication goals with behavioral programming - advocating for communication-first, AAC-accessible approaches within ABA frameworks
- Provide communication partner coaching to ABA therapists, focusing on aided language input, waiting strategies, low-demand interaction, and recognizing all forms of communication
- Build deep, ongoing relationships with families - supporting them not just as therapy recipients but as the most important people in their child's communication environment
- Offer caregiver coaching, family training, and home program guidance that is practical, realistic, and rooted in the rhythms of real family life
- Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, IEP consultations (as applicable), and collaborative care discussions
- Communicate proactively and transparently with all team members, always keeping the child's voice - in whatever form it takes - at the center
Documentation & Professional Practice
- Complete timely, accurate evaluations, progress notes, and reports in compliance with ASHA standards and clinic protocols
- Maintain ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) and all required state licensure
- Pursue ongoing professional development in AAC, GLP, neuroaffirming practice, and autism-related communication
Qualifications
Required
- Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited program
- ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP)
- Active Michigan SLP licensure in good standing
- Experience providing services to autistic children and their families
- Demonstrated knowledge and clinical application of AAC across the spectrum of communication needs
- Familiarity with Gestalt Language Processing and the Natural Language Acquisition framework
Preferred
- Experience conducting AAC feature matching evaluations and supporting device trials and funding
- Training or mentorship in GLP/NLA-informed therapy
- Experience working within or alongside ABA programs, with confidence in advocating for communication-centered approaches
- Engagement with autistic-led communities, research, and perspectives on affirming care
- Bilingual skills (Arabic) a plus
Contractor Details
This is an independent contractor (1099) position. As a contractor, you will:
- Set your own availability in coordination with site scheduling needs
- Be responsible for your own professional liability insurance (proof required)
- Invoice The Specialists for services rendered
- Maintain your own professional development and continuing education requirements
Competitive per-visit or hourly rates - commensurate with experience and specialization. Details discussed at time of offer.
Why Join The Specialists?
- Woman-owned, values-driven practice where your clinical philosophy is respected and your voice matters
- Small team culture - you will know your clients and their families deeply, and that relationship is something we protect and prioritize
- Work alongside OT colleagues who share your commitment to neuroaffirming, whole-child care
- Collaborate with ABA partners in a model where SLP has a genuine seat at the table
- Flexible scheduling across clinic and ABA settings - design a caseload that fits your life
- Leadership that is curious, evolving, and genuinely invested in getting it right for kids and families
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit the following to [email protected]:
- Resume or CV
- Brief cover letter describing your experience and clinical philosophy - we especially want to hear how you think about AAC, GLP, and neuroaffirming care
- Copy of Michigan SLP license and ASHA CCC-SLP certification
The Specialists is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all providers and the families we serve.
Pay: From $75.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
