|
NSSLHA members can download the full-text versions of these articles in the "Members" section of our site.
- Maximizing Family Involvement in Early Literacy
- An Assessment Paradigm for Speech-Language Pathologists Working With Children With Reading Disabilities
- Supervisees' Expectations of Supervisor Characteristics: Preclinical Fellowship Year Versus Postclinical Fellowship Year
- Drugs and Their Effects on Children: Maybe It's Not Just a Bad Day
- Comparison of Discourse Genres: Clinical Implications
- Computer Use in the Management of Aphasia: A Survey of Practice Patterns and Opinions
- Counseling in Laryngectomy
- Effects of Differential Prolongations of Phrases on the Perceptions of Speech Naturalness
- Intervention of Short-Term and Working Memory Impairments in Closed-Head Injury: A Literature Review
- Professional Standards in Russia for the Practice of Audiology
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1. Maximizing Family Involvement in Early Literacy
Holly Howat
Abstract: This article explores the importance of family involvement in early literacy and examines how speech-language pathologists might best guide families in enhancing their children's early literacy-building experiences. These literacy activities are varied and go beyond book reading. Literacy-building experiences are maximally effective when theoretical principles of learning are incorporated. That is, learning should be process oriented, meaning driven, and contextual. A collaborative, family-centered approach to therapy is strongly advocated. This approach allows for existing literacy-building experiences to be identified, supported, and expanded. Additionally, a family's repertoire of literacy-building experiences may be extended to include new activities.
Return to Top
2. An Assessment Paradigm for Speech-Language Pathologists Working With Children With Reading Disabilities
Cynthia S. Puranik
Linda J. Lombardino
Abstract: The purpose of this article is to provide speech-language pathologists (SLPs) with a framework for assessing children with known or suspected reading disabilities. Although our knowledge of reading disabilities has grown exponentially over the past 10 years, direct service delivery to this population through the discipline of speech-language pathology remains limited in scope, particularly in the area of assessment. In this article, Carver's (1997, 2000) rauding model was used as the foundation for addressing core skills associated with reading achievement and that are necessary for inclusion in a comprehensive reading battery. The framework presented in this article highlights the connection between constructs that underlie reading achievement, skills that represent these concepts, and procedures that can be used to measure strengths and weaknesses across these skills. It provides a "template" for assisting SLPs in planning comprehensive assessment protocols for testing children with reading disabilities.
Return to Top
3. Supervisees' Expectations of Supervisor Characteristics: Preclinical Fellowship Year Versus Postclinical Fellowship Year
Allison Dobbs
Heather McKervey
Eleni Roti
Rebecca Stewart
Barbara M. Baker
Abstract: Two groups of 15 participants completed a survey pre and post clinical fellowship year (CFY) based on five categories of characteristics they desire in a supervisor. A comparison of supervisor characteristics both pre and post CFY was conducted. The study determined that with more clinical experience, the supervisees changed their opinion concerning the supervisor's desirable qualities necessary for a positive CFY. Of the five categories, the most significant change in desirable qualities was in personal characteristics of the CFY supervisor.
Return to Top
4. Drugs and Their Effects on Children: Maybe It's Not Just a Bad Day
Lynette C. Klotz
Kimberly Murphy
Robert E. Owens, Jr.
Abstract: The purpose of this article is to provide speech-language pathologists (SLPs) with a brief description, recommended dosage, common side effects, and overdose symptoms of commonly prescribed medications used by children who frequently receive speech-language services in schools. Knowledge regarding medication use is becoming more important to SLPs due to recent studies reporting an increase in prescription drug use in individuals of all ages. Although this article concentrates on those drugs that are frequently prescribed for children, a select number of drugs used by young adults have been included in the Appendix.
Return to Top
5. Comparison of Discourse Genres: Clinical Implications
Lynn S. Bliss
Allyssa McCabe
Abstract: This article describes the following types of discourse genres and their advantages and disadvantages: conversation, scripts, narratives, and expository discourse. Each genre is demonstrated with an example from a speaker with typical discourse development and a speaker with impaired development. Analyses for each sample, using the discourse analysis procedure, are provided. The article concludes with clinical applications regarding assessment and intervention guidelines.
Return to Top
6. Computer Use in the Management of Aphasia: A Survey of Practice Patterns and Opinions
Lori Davis
Karen Copeland
Abstract: Computers are involved in many facets of daily life, and studies have shown computers to be effective tools in aphasia rehabilitation. However, the degree to which speech-language pathologists (SLPs) use computers in aphasia management is unclear. This study surveyed SLPs to determine patterns and frequency of computer use associated with aphasia rehabilitation. The survey was distributed to SLPs in health care settings through e-mail and traditional mail. Surveys were analyzed for frequency and patterns of computer use in direct therapy and for other related purposes. Responses were received from 107 SLPs. Survey results indicated that SLPs use computers more often for indirect or supplemental purposes than for direct therapy. When SLPs implemented computers in direct treatment, the amount accounted for less than 25% of the total session time. Identified barriers to using computers include a lack of access and lack of training. Training for using computers in aphasia management occurs most often after graduate school through continuing education or self-study.
In conclusion, results indicated that computer-based treatment of aphasia is being implemented to varying degrees and more often for supplemental and administrative purposes than for direct therapy. Additionally, SLPs generally perceive computers as useful and important but not critical to successful outcomes.
Return to Top
7. Counseling in Laryngectomy
Douglas McColl
Anna Hooper
Shelley Von Berg
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which laryngeal cancer patients receive appropriate and adequate preoperative counseling before the surgical procedure known as laryngectomy. An online survey was presented to laryngectomized members of the WebWhispers Nu-Voice Club, which is an affiliated club of the International Association of Laryngectomees. The survey was designed to ascertain if laryngeal cancer patients are currently receiving comprehensive information regarding postsurgical communicative function. One hundred-fifty completed surveys were returned and analyzed. The results of the descriptive statistical analysis provided evidence that these patients continue to receive less than optimal preoperative counseling, if any at all. Suggestions for how speech-language pathologists can advance the importance of such counseling to better serve laryngeal cancer patients are then discussed.
Return to Top
8. Effects of Differential Prolongations of Phrases on the Perceptions of Speech Naturalness
Natalie Schaeffer
Abstract: The prolongation of speech sounds/sentences is currently used in stuttering therapy to enhance fluency. However, prolonged speech is often reported by both stuttering speakers and listeners to sound unnatural. The present investigation is an extension of a prior study that examined naturalness perceptions of prolonged vowels (at different durations) in carrier phrases. In the present study, entire phrases were prolonged at four duration levels using digital waveform manipulation. Sixty college students listened to the phrases and rated their naturalness. Results indicated that at the 150% prolongation level, speech was perceived as natural by more than 80% of the listeners, similar to findings in the prior study (i.e., vowel prolongation). A further comparison of the two studies, however, revealed that naturalness perceptions of vowel prolongation were maintained at longer durations than were phrase prolongations.
Return to Top
9. Intervention of Short-Term and Working Memory Impairments in Closed-Head Injury: A Literature Review
Irene H. Kim
Abstract: This article provides a clinical review of current treatment approaches to short-term and working memory impairments in individuals who have sustained traumatic closed-head injuries. Preliminarily, general information on closed-head injuries is presented. Specific short-term and working memory impairments, as well as assessments and interventions used in the practice of speech-language pathology, are then discussed. Finally, a literature review regarding outcomes and treatment efficacy is presented, revealing potentially limited generalization, though subjective benefits are described. The goal of this article is to prompt clinicians to evaluate their current interventions, thereby maximizing the effectiveness of the therapeutic process and ultimately enhancing the lives of the individuals served.
Return to Top
10. Professional Standards in Russia for the Practice of Audiology
Natalia Bezriadina
Tena L. McNamara
Susan G. Prendergast
Abstract: This article compares professional standards in the field of audiology in Russia to standard practices for audiologists in the United States. Information was obtained by analyzing legal documents and statistical reports pertaining to audiology and by completing interviews with professionals who practice in the field of audiology during a visit to Russia in the summer of 2005. Findings revealed a significant difference in educational background, scope of practice, and qualification standards between American audiologists and their Russian colleagues. Furthermore, the study demonstrated different approaches in each country for the delivery of audiological services to the general population.
Return to Top
|