The author describes how she has used computer technology as an aid to intervention with young children who have language difficulties. The approach features appropriate language goals, play contexts, and the use use of synthesized speech output. (CL)

This article describes communicative norms associated with two clinical discourse styles (adult centered and child centered) and explores the ethnographic concepts of thick description and indefinite triangulation in utterance interpretations. Clinicians are urged to evaluate client utterances from multiple communicative perspectives. (DB)

The article reviews studies showing that speech and language intervention during the period of cannulation can benefit tracheostomized and ventilator-dependent children by improving their communicative functioning while decreasing their frustration with the tracheostomy placement. Therapeutic interventions with feeding skills are also recommended.…

Professionals involved in the development of communication systems for clients with severe communication disorders should not be influenced excessively by the tendency to view either the augmentative communication or the natural speech approach as the sole solution. A balanced intervention approach best serves clients' individual needs and…

Literature on the components of language and basic skills in speech acquisition is reviewed, and specific problems in communicatively disordered children, particularly hearing impaired and multihandicapped hearing impaired children, are investigated. Practical intervention strategies designed to promote intelligibility of spoken language and…

The review of the literature on aided communication illustrates the differences between "aided" and "normal" communication and outlines an intervention strategy which aims to modify the behavior of both interactive partners. (DB)

This article reports on an action research project focused on a first-grader with a severe articulation disorder. Intervention involved collaboration by his classroom teacher, mother, speech pathologist, and the child to develop, implement, and continually evaluate an action plan. (Contains 12 references.) (DB)

This annotated bibliography on the use of facilitated communication with people unable to express themselves was developed as part of a statewide training and technical assistance project in Maine. The 75 citations are listed alphabetically by author and date from 1986 through 1993. The items listed report on the use of facilitated communication…

Discussion of the impact of a severely communication disabled child on the family focuses on ways professionals can involve parents in their child's use of augmentative and alternative communication devices. Specific strategies presented include providing information, using a systems approach, creating support networks, and advocating teamwork.…

Included is a framework for determining if a young severely language delayed child is an appropriate candidate for sign programs; a discussion of specific sign objectives; and guidelines for classroom implementation and family intervention. (Author)

Intervention planning for limited-English-proficient students calls for an experiential approach which compares and contrasts the students' home culture with mainstream United States culture. Methods are presented for incorporating student culture in intervention activities (building a multicultural calendar, studying folk tales) and for…

This guide to Asperger syndrome for teachers describes the underlying impairments of the condition, explains how these may lead to problems in school, and offers practical management suggestions. The first part gives an overview of Asperger syndrome and outlines the three core areas of impairment--social interaction, communication, and lack of…

This article describes use of "comic strip conversations," a type of social story adapted for younger students or those with limited verbal communication skills. It utilizes simple symbols, stick figures, and color to identify key elements of a social interaction. Three steps to implementing the technique are explained and illustrated with…

This paper proposes a definition of clinically significant change in communication ability and suggests three evaluation criteria, including determining whether the change resulted from treatment rather than uncontrolled factors, whether the change was real rather than random, and whether the change was important rather than trivial. (Author/JDD)

Systems concepts from general systems theory and family therapy literature are presented as analytical tools to help professionals understand and change interactions with their clients having communication disorders. Two case examples that illustrate relationship problems are presented, and approaches taken to their resolution are described.…