The article reviews studies showing that speech and language intervention during the period of cannulation can benefit tracheostomized and ventilator-dependent children by improving their communicative functioning while decreasing their frustration with the tracheostomy placement. Therapeutic interventions with feeding skills are also recommended.…

The PDQ Project, Planning and Development of Quality Services in the Schools, was an effort by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association to provide public school personnel working with communication-disordered children with information and training related to better management. The report summarizes program objectives and outcomes including…

The study investigated the status of clinician services to limited- and non-English proficient (LEP/NEP) children with communication disorders. Surveys of speech/language pathologists, school districts, and professional organizations were undertaken. Results revealed the prevalence by type of communication disorders (language disorders were the…

The paper describes the Oral Language Disorders Classroom (OLDC), an approach providing intensive speech and language therapy and academic support to students with severe communication disorders in a primary classroom setting. The OLDC emphasizes preparation for quick return to the regular classroom. General school curriculum is modified and…

The article summarizes a demographic profile of 494 learning disabled students who also exhibited related communication disorders and the impact of this population on speech-language and hearing services. Racial and sexual factors are also examined. (Author/CL)

A recent forum in "JFD" (28/3, 2003) evaluated the status of evidence-based practice in fluency disorders, and offered recommendations for improvement. This article re-evaluates the level of support available for some popular approaches to stuttering therapy and questions the relative value placed on some types of programs endorsed by the forum.…

The document delineates competencies for certification in the state of Washington for a Communication Disorders Specialist, who provides diagnostic (evaluative), therapeutic (habilitative), and consultative services for individuals handicapped by disorders of language, speech, and/or hearing. The guidelines and standards establish a framework for…

A cooperative venture between a university and a small rural mountain county school system was developed to alleviate the difficulty experienced by a rural school system in attracting and retaining qualified speech-language personnel. (Author/CL)

Because reading is a language-based skill and many communicatively handicapped youngsters experience difficulties with it, speech-language pathologists have important roles in assisting with reading development for these children. Suggestions are offered for use in speech-language sessions and with teachers or parents. (Author)

Once limited to correcting articulation and lisps, speech-language pathologists now work with students with wide-ranging disabilities and educational needs. Principals should support their efforts to help teachers integrate speech and language goals with students' academic objectives, conduct screening and diagnostic assessments, develop…

This study examined effects of group communication treatment on the linguistic and communicative performance of 24 adults with chronic aphasia. Participants received five hours of group communication treatment weekly provided by a speech-language pathologist. Participants had significantly higher scores on communicative and linguistic measures…

To explore factors related to selective mutism (SM), a survey of persons (N=153, including 135 children) with SM was undertaken. Three theoretical assumptions are supported: (1) variant talking behaviors prior to identification of SM; (2) link between SM and social anxiety; (3) potential link between temperament and SM. (EMK)

The instructional guide, student manual, and reference materials were developed by the PDQ Project, Planning and Development of Quality Services in the Schools, an effort by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association to provide public school personnel working with communication disordered children with information and training related to…

The article suggests three strategies for the audiologist and speech/communication specialist to use in assisting the preschool teacher to implement student's individualized education program: (1) demonstration teaming, (2) dual teaming; and (3) rotation teaming. (CL)

The article offers options for delivery of services to nonspeaking public school students by speech-language pathologists. Suggestions are based on the mandates of P.L. 94-142 (the Education for All Handicapped Children Act) and the Code of Ethics of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Stressed is the need for comprehensive…