Thirty-one cognitively normal college students unfamiliar with Blissymbolics were able to make reliable ratings of the perceived complexity of 91 Blissymbols. Based on these ratings, a correlational analysis indicated that the semantic variable "semantic elements" and the physical variable "number of strokes" were the best…

In this article the paradox of the placebo concept is used to evaluate both specific and nonspecific components of an effective mental health treatment. The enthusiastic response of the participants in the treatment are evaluated and discussed and the concepts and structures that generate this response are brought to light. (Author/VM)

To produce spontaneous and generalized language use by severely disabled individuals, the language training context and content must be examined. Training methods can better approximate the conditions of natural language use when they involve: generation of spontaneous language responses to effect real-world changes, single performance "trials,"…

The impact of augmentative systems on the communicative abilities of two groups of young cerebral palsied children (total N=40) who were learning either Blissymbols or Makaton Signing was evaluated. Results indicated no significant differences between the systems and slow progress and severe limitations in sign/symbol repertoires of most children.…

Describes a study of whether dysarthric patients who have lost the ability to speak as a result of brain damage, but whose language is intact, show incidence of phonological coding and "inner speech." Concludes that phonological coding and subvocal rehearsal cab operate without feedback from the peripheral speech musculature. (SED)

A cooperative venture between a university and a small rural mountain county school system was developed to alleviate the difficulty experienced by a rural school system in attracting and retaining qualified speech-language personnel. (Author/CL)

Describes inexpensive materials to assist speech-language pathologists in the evaluation and training of electronic augmentative communication potentials of nonspeaking, physically handicapped persons. (Author/CL)

The article outlines a procedure whereby the project manager (a speech-language pathologist) and the project director (an administrator in charge of special programs) in a Utah school district collaborated successfully to propose a staff development project which was funded. (Author/SW)

Thirty verbal and nonverbal behaviors were analyzed from videotapes of mother-child interactions. As a group, the mothers of normally developing young children did not differ from the mothers of young children with language disorders in the frequency of use of verbal or nonverbal interactions or in the mean length of utterance. (Author)

Because reading is a language-based skill and many communicatively handicapped youngsters experience difficulties with it, speech-language pathologists have important roles in assisting with reading development for these children. Suggestions are offered for use in speech-language sessions and with teachers or parents. (Author)

Once limited to correcting articulation and lisps, speech-language pathologists now work with students with wide-ranging disabilities and educational needs. Principals should support their efforts to help teachers integrate speech and language goals with students' academic objectives, conduct screening and diagnostic assessments, develop…

This article provides a rebuttal of a critique by the original authors of an article (EC 633 617-619) on the use of facilitated communication by a Finnish man diagnosed with mental retardation and cerebral palsy. The original authors ask for an alternative explanation to the attributed authorship when the individual himself is doing the typing.…

Compared the community-based, peer social networks of 75 boys with developmental delays, 69 with communication disorders, and 66 without disabilities (ages 4-5). Results showed more limited peer social networks for both groups of children with disabilities based primarily on the frequency of contacts with peers and linkages established across…

Describes multiple techniques for facilitating development of initial communication repertoires for individuals with multiple disabilities, and integrates these techniques with strategies for increasing the alert, responsive behavior state through the Tri-Focus Framework, which emphasizes understanding the learner, broadening the communication…

The paper provides an organizational framework for communication-based interventions with infants, toddlers, and their families. The paper describes early intervention approaches including remediation, prevention, and compensation, and offers guidelines for selecting the appropriate programmatic approach and determining the model for service…