The study investigated the prevalence and associated problems of ankyloglossia, characterized by restricted movement of the tongue usually due to the adhesion of the tongue to the frenum, among a preschool Head Start population (N=1,440). Ss were screened for six primary characteristics of the condition and of the 78 children who exhibited the…

The paper notes the difficulties with most formal tests of language skills when applied to the assessment of communication and precommunication skills in individuals with severe and multiple handicaps. General principles for assessment and a flexible assessment device are summarized. The Functional Communication Assessment is offered as a basic…

Vocabulary systems for individuals using communication aids can be broken down into two major types: coverage vocabularies and acceleration vocabularies. Acceleration vocabularies or word sets assume the individual is able to spell and words are chosen which speed up the rate of communication. Acceleration techniques may include sets of most…

This bibliography covers alternative and augmentative communication and includes English-language citations for books, journal articles, and conference proceedings. The list contains over 400 citations, organized in alphabetical order by author, with references to publications dated from 1973 to 1986. Each bibliographic entry is coded for the…

The Sleight Clinician Anxiety Test (SCAT) was developed to rate the anxiety of speech language pathology students during their practicum. Items were selected based on writings in speech language pathology, education and psychology and four areas previously identified as of concern to new practitioners: (1) living up to supervisory standards, (2)…

The LARC (Listening and Reading Comprehension) Program, an experiential based story grammar approach to listening and reading comprehension is described, and a pilot study of its effectiveness with communication handicapped children is reviewed. The LARC framework translates children's own recent experiences into sequenced story episodes which are…

Compares the communicative behaviors of 18 learning disabled/language impaired (LD/LI) children with two matched groups of normally developing children. LD and normal groups were matched up by age and language mates, and observed for evidence of communicative effectiveness and verbal output. Findings of the study are discussed and related to the…

The paper presents an intervention framework for the management of communication disorders in learning disabled children. The model is comprised of three components: communicative intentions, presupposition, and the social organization of discourse. Resulting instructional guidelines and principles are offered. (Author/DB)

Current assessment models in communication disorders are reviewed, factors involved in meeting the demands of P.L. 94-142 are addressed, and recommended practices as well as future considerations are noted. (CL)

The article analyzes software for assessing language, noting advantages and disadvantages of such programs as Computerized Language Sample Analysis and Lingquest 1 Language Sample Analysis. In addition, software for assessing phonetic and phonological performance is also considered. (CL)

Commercially available software is described that can help manage information in speech and hearing clinics. Applications addressed include word processing, database management, columnar analysis, integrated programs, specialized information management programs, and networks. (CL)

The paper presents a review of the constituent skills and environmental factors which influence the initial onset and continued acquisition of requests for information in normally developing children to provide the foundation for a protocol for assessing and treating children impaired in requesting information. Specific assessment and treatment…

Clinicians in a public school clinical speech program designed and adopted a system of computerized reporting which generates required due process paperwork, provides student reports and copies of Individualized Educational Programs, and stores data for administrative and research purposes. Preliminary data indicate both time and financial…

An analysis of errors in written language as indicators of communication disorders reviews problems with assumptions that writing and spelling are phonetically based. A six-stage model of written language reduction is proposed that helps to analyze and type errors according to such classifications as neuromuscular, phonographic, and duplication…

This report provides data collected over a 13-year period on communication disorders among college freshmen. The students were examined for existing speech disorders (articulation, voice, or fluency) and questioned about recovery from previous disorders, with and without treatment. (Author)