ERIC Number: EJ1410061
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-2381-473X
Speech-Language Pathologists' Implementation of Theory of Mind Concepts within Therapy: An Exploratory Survey
Kristen Secora; Tara Moore
Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, v8 n6 p1287-1303 2023
Purpose: Understanding others' mental states including thoughts (cognitive theory of mind [ToM]) and feelings (affective ToM) is an important component of communication, particularly for individuals with communication challenges. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are critical members of the team that supports these individuals; however, little is currently known about how SLPs approach therapy involving ToM components. This exploratory study seeks to establish foundational knowledge about the current practices SLPs use when incorporating ToM. Method: SLP participants completed an online survey (N = 86) that asked about their incorporation of ToM topics and skills into therapy with a focus on literacy activities. Results: All SLPs reported working on ToM topics to some extent, most frequently on emotional awareness in the self and others and to a lesser extent on understanding others' thoughts. They reported targeting ToM components with different clinical populations: mostly individuals with autism spectrum disorder and social communication disorder, but also those with expressive/receptive language disorders and preschool-age students. The majority of SLPs reported using books to work on ToM skills. We provide a summary of the various features of books that SLPs used in the selection process and with their reported relative importance. Conclusions: Many SLPs reported working on affective ToM and to a lesser extent cognitive ToM with children who have a variety of communication needs. Children's books were a common way in which many SLPs targeted a variety of communication goals in addition to perspective-taking or ToM topics. Understanding the current implementation of ToM topics in therapy can help guide neurodiversity-affirming intervention and literacy practices for currently practicing SLPs.
Descriptors: Speech Language Pathology, Theory of Mind, Communication Disorders, Expressive Language, Receptive Language, Language Impairments, Speech Therapy, Literacy, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Allied Health Personnel, Preschool Children, Neurosciences, Intervention, Story Reading, Disabilities, Reading Material Selection, Speech Impairments
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. 2200 Research Blvd #250, Rockville, MD 20850. Tel: 800-638-8255; Fax: 301-296-8580; e-mail: perspectives@asha.org; https://perspectives.pubs.asha.org/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A