Data on disfluencies in the speech of non-stuttering adults are relevant to several aspects of the assessment and treatment of adults who stutter. Currently, very few sources provide relevant data. In the existing literature on normally fluent speakers, there is no consistency in sample length or topic or in which types of disfluency are counted.…

This article describes a nonstandardized method used to assess the degree to which school-aged children with communication disorders are competent with the pragmatic skill of referential communication. Results with six children (ages 8-12) with communication disorders revealed that subjects possessed at least some referential communication…

This paper argues that inferential statistical analyses as part of group research designs do not provide the kinds of data that are useful in determining the efficacy of clinical intervention with individuals having communication disorders. Replication studies are seen as providing a more fruitful approach to ascertaining the efficacy of clinical…

The intelligibility of three synthesized voices was evaluated by unfamiliar listeners (total n=120 secondary students) with or without listener training, using a 2 X 3 design. Results indicated that intelligibility for all three voices significantly improved following listener training. (Author/DB)

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)

Examines issues related to designing and conducting randomized studies of speech/language treatment effects (clinical trials) in the public school setting and provides suggestions regarding how such studies can be effectively organized and implemented in schools by clinicians. The work of the Communication Sciences and Disorders Research Group in…

Emphasizes the importance of collecting data on the prevalence of specific communication disorders in children and data on both the short-term and long-term impact of speech/language interventions in the schools. (Author/DB)

A literature review identified behaviors representative of the normal stages of communication, cognition, and vocalization in children's prelinguistic period. Results were organized as a checklist for assessment of at-risk infants. The checklist is recommended for monitoring infant development, supplementing formal screenings and diagnostic tools,…

This introduction to the special issue summarizes issues raised in the nine subsequent contributed papers, which discuss research findings on communication and language development in persons with mental retardation or developmental disabilities. The paper stresses the direct relevance of the research for prevention, assessment, intervention, and…

Examines factors influencing research-practice gaps in the assessment and treatment of adults with neurologic communication disorders. Both researchers and clinicians are urged to learn alternative research strategies, build partnerships, and take advantage of new information technologies. Strategies are suggested for directly applying, adapting,…

This manual describes the Wisconsin Sensorimotor Pointing Assessment (WSPA) for individuals with severe communication deficits complicated by other cognitive or motor disabilities, and provides guidelines for its administration. The WSPA was designed to quantify four categories of sensory and motor abilities necessary for initiating and accurately…