Fifty preschool children were administered a screening test for communication disorders under two conditions (traditional pencil and paper format and a computer-managed version). It was found that the computer-managed screening test yielded satisfactory agreement for the language sections. Results of the articulation section of the screening test…

Two special needs adults with speech disorders were taught to read functional vocabulary and short phrases/sentences with strategies involving listening, demonstration of community contexts, word meaning drills, beginning sound identification and shaping, prompting, correct pronunciation, and teacher encouragement. Large increases in correct word…

A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted to compare half-day versus full-day center-based programs for 11 pairs of communicatively disordered (CD) and 15 pairs of mentally retarded (MR) preschoolers. Results suggest that the more cost-effective programs are full-day for CD and half-day for MR children. (Author/CL)

Follow-up on 40 children with speech/language problems who were enrolled in a special education preschool indicates the high risk for future educational impairments. Thirty-two Ss continued to require special education services and 21 Ss have experienced difficulty with reading. (CL)

Immediate and one-day posttest measures were obtained from 20 nonhandicapped seven and eight year olds in a paired-associate transfer of training task using manual signs and Bliss symbols (often used with non-speaking persons). Results showed no overall difference between signs and symbols in number of correct responses on either the immediate or…

The Communication Record is described as a system for gathering and sharing critical information concerning the communication impaired student's sign language performance. Sharing information on specific sign system, instructor mode, concept content, response mode, and key environmental variables can ease the transition into new placements.…

Speech-language pathologists can help prevent communication disorders by helping to promote disability awareness, focusing on good health, limiting noise pollution, and helping to prevent injuries due to vocal misuse. Suggested activities for each aspect are presented. (CL)

Questionnaires were used to evaluate 59 parents' reactions and understanding of diagnostic information from written reports and conferences in a clinic for speech, learning, language, and hearing problems. (Author/CL)

Analysis of the abnormalities present in autistic patients suggests that the manifestations of childhood autism correlate best with the manifestations of dysfunction in the frontal tier of the ring of phylogenetically older cortex and striatum. Emphasis is placed on disorders of motility, communication, and attention and perception. (Author)

Specific program suggestions are provided to enable the speech-language pathologist to utilize the mealtime setting to integrate both vocal and nonvocal communicative objectives. The roots of interaction and communication which underly both vocal and nonvocal systems are described. (Author)

The article examines effective assessment and placement practices in the use of augmentative communication with severely disabled persons through use of a case study and review of the pertinent literature. Models of assessment considered are the Decision-Making Matrix and the Pre-Verbal Communication Schedule. (DB)

The article introduces five case study reports that illustrate augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions with adults who have severe acquired communication disorders. Issues common to AAC management of adults are considered as are issues specific to the conditions of amytrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, brain…

The article reviews issues related to the cognitive styles, processing modes, and learning strengths and weaknesses that should be considered when selecting augmentative and alternative communication techniques for persons with autism. Stressed is the need to change communication techniques to accommodate the expanding needs and capabilities of…

Two aphasics with a similar level of phonological production difficulty are compared to distinguish the properties of disruption to two stages in the phonological system for producing single words: activation of stored lexical-phonological representations versus construction of phonemic representations. A set of distinguishing behavioral features…

This paper examines the role of communication partners in enhancing communication with persons with severe disabilities; discusses communication as a fundamental characteristic of human interactions, which can be nonsymbolic and nonlinguistic and which involve creation of shared meanings; and introduces the papers in this special journal issue.…