This study, involving 26 children (ages 44-70 months) with impairments in grammar and phonology, found that children receiving either a clinician-administered or parent-administered intervention showed gains in expressive grammar, but there were no indirect effects on subjects' phonological production. Language intervention approaches for young…

Presents findings of research on homework and translates these findings into recommended practices for speech-language pathologists. Suggestions for enhancing homework effectiveness are presented, such as explaining why the homework is being assigned and providing regular assignments. An example of a language development homework assignment is…

A discourse-based, contextual intervention approach for increasing children's word finding proficiency was evaluated. Subjects were three 9-year-olds with language-learning disabilities. Intervention involved picture-elicited narratives, story-retelling, and conversation on family topics. All three subjects exhibited a decrease in the average…

This article discusses current developments in connectionist modeling and the extension of principles of dynamical systems theory to cognitive and language development that have resulted in a new theory of language development known as emergentism. Specific language impairment is discussed within this emergentist view and preliminary implications…

This pilot study estimated the incidence of nondysphasic language and communication problems following right cerebral hemisphere damage (RHD) in 11 subjects who completed language assessments within 2 weeks of onset and again 3 months later. Results found some language impairment for 50% of the sample and marked difficulties for 20%. (Author/DB)

This much-needed text presents detailed descriptions of current treatment methodologies for children with language impairments. Professionals in the fields of special education, speech language pathology, psychology, psychiatry, and occupational therapy as well as audiologists who deal with central auditory processing disorders will find this book…

This study evaluated the use of video self-monitoring with a 54- month-old female girl with language delays, especially use of the plural -s. A videotape was developed with a "Sesame Street" theme that featured the subject correctly forming plurals. Following five viewings of the videotape, the subject's correct usage increased from 38…

Pacing boards can assist in the transition from single word to multiword utterances by children with language impairments. The pacing board provides visual and motor cues to help young children imitate and spontaneously produce multiword utterances as well as increase metalinguistic awareness of speech units. Instructions for making pacing boards…

A survey of 628 educators examined opinions about the role and performance of school speech-language pathologists. Overall, responses indicated positive opinions about speech-language pathologist services, but some uncertainty about their roles with certain student groups and the adequacy of their training in behavior management, reading,…

This paper reviews the literature showing the frequent co-occurrence of emotional/behavioral and language problems in children. The role of language in emotional/behavioral regulation and social interaction is reviewed and implications for speech-language pathology relative to language assessment, intervention, and counseling are discussed.…

Based on spontaneous data from 50 German children with specific language impairment (SLI), several aspects of impaired clause structure are explored. Findings are that children with SLI use more finite than nonfinite verb forms. (Author/VWL)

This article provides guidance for practitioners interested in creating or refining speech-language services at the high school level to promote academic success for students. Problems in providing high school speech-language services, the context for designing programs at this level, the role of the speech-language pathologist, and best practices…

This article identifies the different approaches to speech and language difficulties commonly used by speech and language therapists and by teachers and suggests that an integration of these frameworks could provide more comprehensive support for a wider range of children with language and communication difficulties. (Author/CR)

This article addresses 2 questions of importance to the treatment of speech sound disorders: (1) When selecting treatment targets, is it best to begin with the most or the least stimulable potential phoneme targets? (2) When treating unstimulable phonemes, which treatment procedures will result in the best outcome? A summary of the findings from 3…

This fact sheet on speech and language disorders is presented in English and Spanish. It provides information on the definition of speech and language disorders and possible causes; the incidence (about one in ten people); and characteristics of delayed communication, speech disorders, and language disorders. It notes educational implications,…