Comparison of language levels used by preservice educators with either high (N=26) or low (N=29) levels of previous experience with hearing-impaired individuals found that neither group adjusted their spoken language to levels understood by two hearing-impaired women. (Author/DB)

The article offers an exploratory analysis of three conceptual models used in psychiatry. Through a case presentation, the article demonstrates each model's basic premises and implications. Patterns of speech, language, and communication impairment should be investigated from all three perspectives: biodynamic, psychodynamic, and sociodynamic.…

The Cummins model of language proficiency is applied to analyzing communication tasks for hearing-impaired students. The model has been found to facilitate individualization in situations where teachers are required to modify lessons spontaneously. (DB)

A proposed new model for augmentative and alternative communication evaluation and system selection has the clinical team identifying the client's functional needs, skills, and environmental factors from which a specification for an ideal device is generated. This generic device is then presented to manufacturers who respond by proposing a system…

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 article describes a model of clinical supervision for speech and hearing services. The model includes a continuum perspective to meet the individual needs of supervisees. A focus on the scientific nature of the supervisory process and an understanding of process components are important factors in model implementation. (Author/DB)

Parents are provided with directions for making inexpensive mini-communication boards for children with expressive communication problems, and suggestions are provided for training the child in board use. Small pictures or objects selected to reflect the child's vocabulary needs are mounted on a simple board, allowing the child to express his…

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 article presents a family-centered perspective in rehabilitation of individuals with cognitive-communicative impairments following traumatic brain injury (TBI). The approach focuses on capacity rather than dysfunction in families and includes family members as collaborators in rehabilitation. Suggestions for understanding family responses to…

This article reflects on the use of stories as learning tools for children unable to speak and shows how stories provide a medium for imagination and playfulness. Language has the power to liberate and enhance the lives of children limited in their physical independence. Stories can aid such children in being understood and in developing language…

This study examined keyword signing (KWS), a communication approach used with nonspeaking individuals. Acoustic measures and judgments of 20 adult listeners were used to evaluate KWS and Spoken-Only narratives. KWS narratives were produced with a slower articulation rate, because of increased pause and speech segment duration and increased pause…

Three vignettes about Hispanic boys referred for speech and language assessment were presented to 284 speech-language specialists. Decisions about the existence of a communication disorder, probable cause, and appropriate treatment were related to clinician specialty; experience; and knowledge of Spanish language, Hispanic culture, and…

Reviews communication disorders in school-age children and their effects on social interactions. Counselors need to develop skills for working with this population. Strategies for building self-esteem include: (1) identify strengths; (2) use support groups; (3) be positive; (4) set goals; and (5) solve problems. Describes specific activities. (EMK)

This article describes functional communication training (FCT) with students who have autism. FCT involves teaching alternative communication strategies to replace problem behaviors. The article reviews the conditions under which this intervention is successful and compares the method with other behavioral approaches. It concludes that functional…

Examined peer-related social interactions of preschool children with communication disorders. Found that subjects engaged in fewer positive social interactions and conversed with peers less often during nonplay activities than did normal peers, were less successful in their social bids, and appeared to be less directive with their peers. However,…