Describes factors leading to the recent statewide introduction of speech-language paraprofessionals called speech-language pathology assistants (SLPA) in Kentucky's public schools. Also describes the licensure model, requirements for SLPA licensure, and the scope of practice associated with the position. Reports results of a survey indicating…

Research on the communication, language, social, and emotional development of people with autism is reviewed, concerning individuals who either are nonspeaking/limited speaking or use speech as their primary mode of linguistic communication. Research needs for longitudinal studies, investigation of early developmental patterns, and subgroup…

This study evaluated the use of TALK, a computer-based augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system, in the social communications of a nonvocal woman with motor neurone disease. She was able to achieve an average conversational rate of 42 words per minute (wpm) using TALK, compared with 2 to 10 wpm with other AAC systems using…

High school teachers (n=143) ranked 14 communication skills according to the perceived order of importance for Grade 10 adolescents' communication with them as teachers. Teachers tended to perceive skills associated with discourse management strategies as relatively more important than other skills. Science teachers ranked turn taking higher than…

Two special educators comment on an article in the same issue by Joe Reichle entitled "Communication Intervention with Persons Who Have Several Disabilities." Siegel-Causey stresses the implications of advances in augmentative and alternative communication and training for broader use of existing communication skills. Mirenda supports combining…

Explains the Tomatis Method, a program of auditory stimulation and counseling used to assist children, adolescents, and adults with learning and communication disorders. Presents a meta-analysis of data from five research studies evaluating the efficacy of this method in assisting children with such disorders. Suggests that effect sizes favoring…

A study investigated a consecutive series of 65 participants (ages 3-33) with a confirmed 22q11.2 deletion, to ascertain the frequency and severity of articulation difficulties, velopharyngeal impairment (VPI), and intelligibility. The majority had VPI; over half to such a degree that surgery had been performed or was considered necessary.…

This paper reviews findings that suggest a causal relationship between depression, anxiety, or conversion reaction and voice, speech, and language disorders in neurologic patients. The paper emphasizes the need to consider the psychosocial and psychopathological aspects of neurologic communicative disorders, the link between emotional and…

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…

Many students who do not do well in school can benefit from the services of a speech-language pathologist who can help them improve their communication skills. Two communications skills improvement programs are briefly described. A questionnaire is provided for parents to assess their child's hearing, speech, and language development. (IAH)

Information relevant to the practice of speech-language pathology/audiology is extracted from the "Ninth Annual Report to Congress on the Implementation of the Education of the Handicapped Act" (1987), including: number of students with various handicapping conditions receiving special education services and related services, personnel…

Developmental language disorders in preschool children are described. Levels of linguistic functioning are defined, and clinical language disorders are presented. Implications for the school psychologist are discussed, with an emphasis on assessment of verbal and non-verbal functions. (SLD)

The long-term language, academic, social, and behavioral adjustment of young children with speech and language disorders is summarized by reviewing available population surveys, current status surveys, follow-up studies, clinical reports, and prospective studies. Implications of outcome data are discussed. (SLD)

The article presents general information on the history, cultures, and languages of the major Asian/Pacific immigrant and refugee groups. Knowledge required to become a cross-cultural communicator is outlined, including professional knowledge, skills, and attitudes; knowledge of cultures, languages, and discourse styles; and knowledge of family…

A study comparing the educational performance of limited-English-proficient (LEP) and fluent-English-proficient (FEP) Southeast Asian students as a whole with that of other LEP and FEP ethnic groups finds that the five main Indochinese ethnic groups exhibit significant socioeconomic and ethnocultural diversity, impacting on their academic…