This article summarizes findings of studies on speech-language pathologists with varying levels of clinical experience, presents a working model of clinical expertise, offers comments concerning the development and maintenance of clinical expertise, and identifies some problems with research in this area. An appendix lists knowledge, skills,…

Changing perspectives for practice in stuttering therapy are informed by the changes in knowledge, social values, and belief systems of a society. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF; World Health Organization, 2001) has a sociological emphasis with a focus on the ability and functioning of the person, and…

This paper describes an intervention model used by speech language pathologists (SLP) in rural schools. The model involves whole-class instruction for children with communication disorders. Whole-class instruction uses the curriculum content and expectations of children's regular classrooms for the content of speech language therapy. The SLPs…

The manual offers criteria as guidelines in determining pupil eligibility for speech and language services in New Jersey. Criteria were originally developed by a task force of speech-language specialists and special education administrators, were then reviewed by public school speech-language specialists, and were subsequently revised. Criteria…

This study is designed to identify differences in linguistic and communicative performances among preschool-aged autistic children and to learn more about the syndrome of autism by examining patterns of language development, the course of its acquisition, and the context in which it is acquired. Studying the differentiation of skills considered…

Children with language, articulation, stuttering or voice disorders can experience difficulties in learning and in establishing relationships with others. Speech and language pathologists provide appropriate intervention services and are considered an integral part of the school's total education program. (CM)

The paper defines the population of primary school age language/learning-disabled children with communication disorders and emotional/behavioral disorders. It then discusses the language demands of traditional treatment methods, assessment and diagnostic procedures, approaches to communication intervention, and treatment modalities; and offers a…

Described is a method to make assignments of speech, hearing, and language clinicians serving handicapped students through special education. (CL)

This study evaluated the use of TALK, a computer-based augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system, in the social communications of a nonvocal woman with motor neurone disease. She was able to achieve an average conversational rate of 42 words per minute (wpm) using TALK, compared with 2 to 10 wpm with other AAC systems using…

The impact of a disordered phonological system (expressive or receptive) on language development is examined. Research results and guidelines are presented for identification of critical intelligibility and phonological awareness deficiencies and for intervention. Options for expediting intelligibility gains and research findings on enhancing…

Because of the diversity of clients served by speech-language pathologists and audiologists, available commercial software may not meet all needs. Authoring programs allow the clinician to design software that can be customized for individual clients. This article describes an authoring program called HyperCard and its use in preparing hypermedia…

This study examined changes in communication predispositions of 2 clinical populations--13 adult stutterers and 15 foreign dialect students--over 3.5 months of therapy. Results indicated that both groups reduced levels of communication apprehension and increased levels of communication competence. Each group also demonstrated improvements in…

This practicum addressed the problem of high school students with speech and language impairments not receiving available support services because of under-identification of this population. A 3-month multiple channel public relations campaign was designed and implemented to train high school teachers in the identification and referral process.…

Six papers contributed by graduate students report on studies that focused on the application of theory to practice in speech-language pathology and audiology. The first study revealed the ability of an autistic child to adapt to conversational partners of various ages and linguistic abilities. In the second paper, a language impaired child's…

This article focuses on the speech language pathologist's (SLP) role as a member of a collaborative team in identifying patterns of strengths and challenges in communication in children with autism and in providing social, behavioral, and communication supports. It presents two case studies of boys (ages 10-12) with autism. (Contains references.)…