To provide a communication method for children who are non-verbal due to hearing impairments, brain damage, or malformed oral structures, sign language and language boards have been utilized. However, these methods have limitations, and alternate means of communication have been explored. An Apple 2E computer with an echo speech synthesizer was…

Decisions based on the Fluharty Preschool Screening Tests and the Northwestern Syntax Screening Test (and their subtests) were compared to a validity criterion of passing or failing the Sequenced Inventory of Communication Development for 182 children aged 36-47 months. Validity differences were found that depended on test and subtest content.…

This thesis investigated the effects of adding the learning of American Sign Language (ASL) signs (as part of the Applied Behavior Analysis) on the negative behaviors of seven developmentally disabled children (aged 8-13 years). The children were measured on the following: overall disruptive behavior; aggressive behavior; tantrums; and the use of…

Reviews the preparation, use, supervision, and qualifications of speech-language (SL) paraprofessionals and their SL supervisors working in educational settings. Identifies ongoing issues that have been barriers to the development of national and state guidelines for SL paraprofessional use and supervision and discusses current issues promoting…

Connected speech of 134 healthy, Canadian French-speaking adults, grouped according to age and education level, was analyzed using an aphasia battery. Results demonstrated that older subjects with less education produced fewer content units and were less efficient in transmitting lexico-semantic information. Effects of age and education level on…

Interviews with 11 local education authorities in the former Strathclyde Region (Scotland) examined the provision of services for children with "disorders of language and communication," related outreach and support services, terminology problems (autism subsumed under "communication disorders"), staffing, and referral…

This article discusses adults with brain injuries and resulting cognitive communicative disorders. The incidence of brain injuries, the effects of cognitive-communication disorders, the role of the speech-language pathologist, the benefits of treatment, and the effects of different treatments are discussed. Charts are included that summarize…

Exit plans of 1,632 students attending 92 private out-of-district special education programs were studied. Students from programs for medical and pervasive developmental/communication disorders were likely to plan transfers to self-contained programs within their districts, whereas students from emotional/behavioral programs tended to plan…

A group service delivery model was utilized to treat nine severely speech-impaired preschool children. The program's efficiency and favorable dismissal rate were felt to be due to the specialized service time received by the children, the targeting of phonological patterns (rather than individual phonemes), group interactions, and a home program.…

This introductory article to a clinical forum on computer applications in language, speech, and hearing services in the schools notes the relatively infrequent use of computers for clinical applications. It notes the forum's effort to identify common professional activities and evaluate computer options that may facilitate effective implementation…

This case study explored the efficacy of a prelinguistic intervention focused on ongoing daily activities in a preschool classroom for a 3-year-old boy with severe communication and cognitive delays. Strategies used included environmental arrangement, following the child's lead, imitation, modeling, and prompting. Results indicated the child…

Examines factors influencing research-practice gaps in the assessment and treatment of adults with neurologic communication disorders. Both researchers and clinicians are urged to learn alternative research strategies, build partnerships, and take advantage of new information technologies. Strategies are suggested for directly applying, adapting,…

Describes five participatory workshop activities to be used when offering a communication workshop to help ensure that participants understand, retain and apply the ideas and information presented. Activities include second/foreign language simulation, speech reading, language/learning disabilities simulation, and coarticulation simulation.…

This study of an adolescent with multiple disabilities, including moderate mental retardation, who was reported to engage in validated facilitated communication (FC) found he did not engage in validated FC; performance was equivalent whether food or nonfood reinforcers were used; and the Picture Exchange Communication System was a valid and…

A classroom-based pragmatic language intervention program was conducted with 6 boys (ages 8-12) with emotional and behavioral disorders. The intervention positively influenced the ability of the participants to employ pragmatic skills, such as providing sufficient and detailed information, stating opinions, and using verbal language to negotiate…