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.…

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 paper translates research findings on systematic preference assessment with individuals with nonsymbolic or limited symbolic communication skills into guidelines for planning such assessments to reduce the risk of missing or misinterpreting the person's preferences. It offers four questions for guiding the planning of preference assessments,…

This article outlines some critical skills needed in referential communication (the ability to provide and understand specific information) and reviews some of the deficits found in referential communication skills of learning disabled and/or language impaired children. Suggested therapy procedures based on training studies are also provided.…

The article reviews research and its clinical implications concerning children with speech, language, and communication disorders who also have or are at risk for developing emotional and behavioral disorders. Issues addressed include differential diagnosis, prevention, intervention, and the role of speech-language pathologists. (Author/DB)

The paper discusses approaches designed to reduce, eliminate, or replace unconventional behavior in individuals with severe disabilities. Emphasis is placed on the need to analyze the communicative functions of behavior and to facilitate the development of an individual's communication system. A case example of a four-year-old nonverbal child is…

Presents the symptoms of selective mutism and historical background for treatment. It provides a case study which illustrates successful multidisciplinary treatment outcomes for a child who was selectively mute. Issues relevant to speech-language pathologists working with elementary school children are discussed and treatment guidelines provided.…

This fact sheet provides basic information on closed captioning as a source of information and entertainment for people with hearing impairments. It describes the role of the National Captioning Institute (NCI), defines closed captioning, and notes NCI activities in three areas: development of the TeleCaption decoder, obtaining the cooperation of…

This article discusses how practitioners can link assessment to action when planning communication interventions for young children with disabilities. It reviews communication components and discusses strategies for collecting information that may be especially useful in the domain of communication. Strategies for turning assessment information…

The paper defines the population of primary school age language/learning-disabled children with communication disorders and emotional/behavioral disorders. It then discusses the language demands of traditional treatment methods, assessment and diagnostic procedures, approaches to communication intervention, and treatment modalities; and offers a…

The paper outlines risk factors for the development of both communication disorders and emotional/behavioral disorders in young children, outlines communication assessment considerations, offers a transactional approach to early intervention which emphasizes the interplay between young children and their caregiving environments, describes…

The impact of a disordered phonological system (expressive or receptive) on language development is examined. Research results and guidelines are presented for identification of critical intelligibility and phonological awareness deficiencies and for intervention. Options for expediting intelligibility gains and research findings on enhancing…

This review examines the research on literacy expectations and priorities for students using augmentative and alternative communication systems as well as for students without disabilities. It discusses implications of research findings for education and clinical practice, such as integrating literacy instruction with other activities, fostering…

This book is designed to provide a broad range of information on family structure and function in an increasingly multicultural society, family system characteristics and the implications for intervention, communication development in the family context, the nature and delivery of family centered-services, specific requirements of Public Law…

This article discusses new computer-based technology for language teaching and learning, including integrated learning systems that provide instruction content via an individualized program of study, multimedia/hypermedia, and the Internet. Criteria are provided for evaluating each application along with models and resources that can be used with…