This response to Kamhi (EC 625 122) who suggested some children distinguish between speech therapy activities and meaningful communication, argues that, since discrepancies between a clinician's and a client's view of clinical interactions may complicate intervention, the clinician should make his viewpoint explicit. Three theories of intervention…

The paper argues that listeners are unable to judge unit-by-unit occurrences of stuttering acceptably. Reasons for this state of affairs and its implications for therapy, theory, and research are analyzed. An alternative speech production definition with its implications is proposed, and a diagnostic method of validating authentic stuttering is…

This response to Fey (EC 604 058) argues against the application of simplistic phonological definitions and models to the assessment and treatment of children with speech delays. Clinicians are encouraged to embrace broad-based models that have explanatory value and are consistent with comprehensive assessment procedures and treatment, focusing on…

This response to commentaries on EC 604 058 attempts to update and clarify views on the application of principles of assessment and intervention in phonological disorders in children. The lack of empirical demonstration that this approach is more effective and efficient than existing procedures is noted. (Author/DB)

This response to Fey (EC 604 058) reviews recent advances in phonological theories, including autosegmental, metrical, and lexical phonology, and their potential applications. A new theory of developmental change that is also cognitive in orientation is presented, along with some suggestions for clinical applications. (DB)

The paper addresses the confusion over the meaning of the term "generalization" when used in the literature on language disorders. Three distinct definitions of language generalization are compared corresponding to three prominent theoretic approaches to language acquisition and teaching. (Author/DB)

This article presents a review of current conceptualizations of clinical expertise in speech-language pathology; reviews claims about the impact that factors like belief, enthusiasm, and innovation can have on learning; and concludes with suggestions for the research needed to develop a theory of clinical expertise in speech-language pathology.…

This tutorial in nonlinear phonology introduces the basic concepts and assumptions of this new theoretical approach and then demonstrates clinical applications of the theory for assessment and intervention. Data from a child with a severe phonological disorder are used to illustrate aspects of nonlinear theory. (Author/DB)

This response to Fey (EC 604 058) presents arguments and examples in support of using concepts of phonological processes and constructs in assessing and treating phonological disorders in children. The paper disagrees with Fey's contention that using the term "process" for "rule" leads to confusion. (Author/DB)

The role of theory and science for communication disorders is discussed. It is argued that communication disorders form a unique discipline within behavioral science. Ways in which the discipline can use theory for research and therapy are suggested. (Author/KM)

This article introduces a clinical forum that considers a variety of theoretical and analytical frameworks that have been applied to developing systems in phonological theory and treatment. It explains phonological theory, in which sound properties that are marked in language are those sounds that are most complex. (Contains references.)…

This article concludes a forum that considered theoretical and analytical frameworks applied to developing systems in phonological theory and treatment. It discusses the role of complexity in target selection of children with language impairments: error pattern interaction and complexity; complexity, treatment, and constraint demotion; and…