The primary objective of this position paper is to assess the theoretical and empirical support that exists for the Mayo Clinic view of motor speech disorders in general, and for oromotor, nonverbal tasks as a window to speech production processes in particular. Literature both in support of and against the Mayo clinic view and the associated use…

Communication can be difficult for children with conditions such as cerebral palsy because of speech and physical impairments. For this group of children, choice-making is often limited to choices of personal preferences; however, preferences do not reveal intellectual abilities. Therefore, choice-making should be presented to these children in…

This brochure discusses briefly, in lay terms, how one individual can approach communicating with another individual who has suffered a stroke. Two kinds of aphasia (language loss) are distinguished: Broca's aphasia, in which the ability to process grammar is impaired, and Wernicke's aphasia, in which neurological damage impairs the ability to…

Ethical considerations in relationships with people who have severe speech and communication problems must be based on acceptance that the individual has something of value to communicate even if the means for expressive communication are limited. There is an ethical imperative on the more competent communication partner to help the disabled…

This volume examines the ramifications of individual differences in therapy outcomes for a wide variety of communication disorders. In an era where evidence-based practice is the clinical profession's watchword, each chapter attacks this highly relevant issue from a somewhat different perspective. In some areas of communication disorders,…

This review discusses how general principles of brain development have contributed to both human brain plasticity and the acquisition of the human capacity for speech. Specifically, the role played by plastic developmental processes in the evolution and development of articulate control over vocalization in speech is examined. (Contains…

This statement by a committee of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association defines the scope of practice in speech-language pathology. It covers purpose, a framework for practice, education and qualifications, scope of practice, professional roles and activities, and practice settings. (Contains references.) (DB)

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) (World Health Organization, 2001) is proposed as a framework for integrative goal setting for children with speech impairment. The ICF incorporates both impairment and social factors to consider when selecting appropriate goals to bring about change in the lives of…

A survey of 1,184 speech language pathologists found that of 2,628 children (grades 1-12) who stuttered, 62.6% had other concurring speech disorders, language disorders, or non-speech-language disorders. Articulation disorders (33.5%) and phonology disorders (12.7%) were the most frequently reported. Males were more likely to exhibit co-occurring…

The use of visual biofeedback in the treatment of individuals who have residual phonological errors is discussed. Biofeedback is conceptualized as a cognitive treatment that requires the client's analysis of visual information and then use of that information in developing correct productions of residual phonological errors. Results suggest the…

A study investigated speech disfluency and stuttering behaviors in 3- and 4-year old children who do (CWS, n=36) and do not (CWNS, n=36) stutter. Four out of 5 measures significantly differed between groups. Within the CWS group there was a significant relationship between stuttering onset and percentage of stuttering-like disfluencies. (Contains…

Introduces epidemiology as a health science that is essential as a complement to the basic laboratory and clinical sciences in speech-language pathology and audiology. A definition of epidemiology is presented. Principles of epidemiology, including causal criteria, and concepts such as incidence, prevalence, and risk are discussed. (Author/CR)

Daily communication journals are a powerful tool to promote communication development in children with severe disabilities. Each page of the daily journal features three parts: a print or braille label, a recording device, and a tangible symbol. Children should participate in both the preparation of the daily journal and its review, thus gaining…

This directory is designed to encourage networking among individuals and organizations that have an interest in deafness and communication disorders. The main body of the directory includes descriptions and publications of 122 organizations that are national in scope and that focus on health issues relating to hearing, balance, smell, taste,…

This article presents a developmental perspective on language acquisition that can serve as a framework for understanding and treating the language and communication challenges faced by children with autism. Profiles of five children (ages 3-7) with autism spectrum disorders are discussed to illustrate the application of a Developmental…