Discussion of speech sampling in the assessment of children with phonological disorders focuses on the use of nonlinear phonological analysis, a method whereby multiple aspects or levels of a child's phonological system are examined. Principles and suggestions offer general guidance for adequate sample elicitation. (Contains references.)…

The report examines vocal frequency differences between normal speaking children and 65 children (mean age 9-years) with vocal nodules and accompanying vocal quality disturbances. In part I of the study children were screened by a physician and their voices were recorded and analyzed by a digitizer-computer system for mean vocal frequency,…

This investigation compared five parameters of phonatory function in an examination of the use of acoustic measures in differential diagnosis in 39 subjects in 3 neuropathological groups (Parkinson, Huntington, cerebellar ataxia) and a normal control group. Results indicated higher variability in perturbation in all the neuropathological groups.…

The validity and reliability of Wilson Voice Profile System (WVPS) was assessed by using taped matched voice samples of groups of 20 previously evaluated voice disordered and 20 normal children. A group of 11 trained listener judges evaluated these vocal samples. Results for differentiating normal from abnormal voiced children were similar to…

Vowels produced by four deaf women were analyzed spectrographically to study acoustic correlates of vocal tract deformation. Formant structure evaluated on isovowel lines disclosed consistent neutralization of vowels, which is attributed to observed restricted horizontal movements of the tongue within the oral and pharyngeal cavities. (Author/JDD)

This study analyzed production of a long vowel sound within Finnish words by normal or dysphonic voices, using the Self-Organizing Map, the artificial neural network algorithm of T. Kohonen which produces two-dimensional representations of speech. The method was found to be both sensitive and specific in the detection of dysphonia. (Author/JDD)

This article examines possible causes or intensifications of vocal fatigue in adolescent singers. Factors considered include the adequacy of the singing technique, the strenuousness of the musical task, the physical singing environment, the singer's general condition, and the expectations imposed by the musical leader. Possible management…

This article discusses the construction of tasks used to elicit vocal responses from preschool children with and without communication disorders. Procedures to elicit valid and reliable responses are proposed, and a sample assessment protocol is presented. (Author/DB)

Part 1 of this paper recommends procedures and standards for the acoustic analysis of voice in individuals with dysarthria. In Part 2, acoustic data are reviewed for dysarthria associated with Parkinson disease (PD), cerebellar disease, amytrophic lateral sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, unilateral hemispheric stroke, and essential tremor.…

Presented are rating scales designed to assess severity in communication problems of elementary and secondary students and described is a training program connected with the scales. The scales are explained to provide a 5-point rating for language, voice, articulation, and fluency. The training program section includes sample historical…

Presented for the practicing speech clinician is a guide for appropriate management of voice disorders. The value of a clinician's awareness of vocal dysfunction is stressed, and various techniques (such as indirect laryngoscopy) used in laryngeal examinations are described briefly. A chapter on procedures for evaluation and quantification of…

Low-cost, privately supported voice clinics were developed to perform laryngeal examinations of public school children to identify those needing treatment for voice disorders. This paper describes the model used in implementing the program, the population seen at the clinics, and the logistics involved in clinic operation. (Author/JDD)

Preliminary to a survey of a national sample of 40,000 subjects intended to estimate prevalence of speech and hearing disorders in the United States public school population, a mobile unit collected data on a pilot sample of subjects in grades 1 through 12. Speech testing of 6,290 subjects indicated about 85% had articulation which did not deviate…

This issue contains eight articles that represent information on a variety of highly specialized topics involving communicative sciences. Articles include: (1) "The Reliability of the Kay Elemetrics Multidimensional Voice Program (MDVP) for Acoustic Analysis of the Normal Voice" (Ann Marie Cimino and Christine M. Sapienza), which focuses on the…

This compilation of guidelines presents standards for assessment and eligibility determinations and direction for planning services for speech-impaired and language-impaired students in Michigan. The first section, on eligibility considerations, emphasizes the expanded responsibilities of teachers of speech/language-impaired students as they serve…