What should an SLPA do if a patient becomes frustrated and refuses to continue with a session?

The appropriate response in this situation is to shift to the next activity while documenting the patient's frustration and reporting the incident to the supervising Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). This approach recognizes the patient’s emotional state and prioritizes their well-being while also maintaining the structure of the therapy session. Transitioning to a different activity can help alleviate the frustration and provide the patient with a fresh start, which may engage them more positively.

Documenting the incident allows for a review of the situation during supervision, ensuring that the SLP can provide additional support or adaptations in future sessions tailored to the patient's needs. Effective communication between the SLPA and the supervising SLP is crucial for developing strategies that address the patient's emotional responses and improving overall therapeutic outcomes. This response highlights the importance of flexibility in therapeutic practices and ensures that the patient's mental and emotional health is considered during treatment.