Although there is considerable variability, most individuals with Down syndrome have mental retardation and speech and language deficits, particularly in language production and syntax and poor speech intelligibility. This article describes research findings in the language and communication development of individuals with Down syndrome, first…

Responding to disruptive or troubled pupils with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD) remains a highly topical issue. The challenges these children present relate to wider issues of continuing political concern: the perceived declining discipline in schools; school and social exclusion; the limits to inclusion for children with special…

D. V. M. Bishop and M. J. Snowling (2004) proposed that 2 dimensions of language are required to conceptualize the relationship between dyslexia and specific language impairment: phonological skills and wider language skills beyond phonology (grammatical, semantic, and pragmatic skills). In this article, we discuss the commonalities between…

The present study explores the characteristics and concerns of a group of mothers of young people with a history of specific language impairment (SLI). Altogether, 52 young people and their mothers participated. Psychometric tests were used to assess mothers' cognitive and literacy performance and socio-economic status was also recorded. Maternal…

This final report contains a detailed description of six software systems designed to assist individuals with blindness and/or speech disorders in using inexpensive, off-the-shelf computers rather than expensive custom-made devices. The developed software is not written in the native machine language of any particular brand of computer, but in the…

This study of 148 Bulgarian children with mild intellectual disabilities investigated the incidence of various types of speech and language disorders in children with intellectual disabilities. A questionnaire was given to the parents and relatives of the children requiring information about the pupils' pre-, peri-, and early postnatal…

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,…

Twenty undergraduates participated in this study of Voice Onset Time production. Statistically significant differences were found for both gender and race, and considerably more prevoicing was found than in past studies. Results suggest that the normative data presently available are probably inadequate, since the normal distribution of gender and…

This article describes a treatment program for a child with a speech impairment, which focused on increasing the size of the phonetic inventory by "teaching" stimulability. Application of the treatment approach is demonstrated in a case study. (Author/DB)

This article examines the clinician/researcher relationship, suggests directions for improving the relationship, and discusses avenues for transferring research information to clinical practice. An eight-step model for transferring research studies to practice is adopted and three steps are targeted for discussion and illustration. A case study…

A study of 60 Chinese Americans and 46 controls found the Chinese Americans were more likely to believe persons with speech disorders could improve speech by "trying hard," to view people using deaf speech and people with cleft palates as perhaps being emotionally disturbed, and to regard deaf speech as a limitation. (Author/CR)

Considers the relevance of the points raised in the preceding articles in this issue to the sociolinguistic development of children with speech and language impairments. Notes that such children often have low self-esteem and that their inability to negotiate an identity for themselves through discussion with their peers may contribute to this…

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)

This article provides information from a speech-language perspective pertaining to transitions in the early years, especially between preschool settings and kindergarten. It highlights challenges in transition and delineates critical components of transition planning including family-school partnerships, collaboration, and written policies and…

Four interaction analysis systems served as the basis of a descriptive self-study in which 10 supervisory conferences between a graduate student clinician in speech-language pathology and her doctoral-level supervisor were transcribed and analyzed. Results are reviewed to profile a supervisor's and supervisee's objectives, critique the instruments…