Communication Sciences and Disorders Commons^™

Interprofessional Collaboration: A Functional Vestibular Screening Framework For Children With Hearing Loss, Corinne Marascio

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Introduction: The vestibular system is comprised of five organs located in the inner ear that support balance, coordination, and spatial awareness (Cleveland Clinic, 2024). Due to the proximity of the hearing and vestibular organs, children with hearing loss are at an increased risk for vestibular dysfunction (Cushing & Papsin, 2018; Kelly et al., 2021). Early recognition and treatment of vestibular disorders via vestibular rehabilitation therapy can support healthy development throughout childhood (Monshizadeh et al., 2022; Wrobel et al., 2020). While vestibular assessment falls within the audiological scope of practice, barriers preclude routine screening of vestibular deficits in pediatric patients with …

Does Awareness Of Behavioral Challenges Impact The Preparedness Of Recent Slp Graduate Students For Their Professional Practice?, Madison K. Jones, Catherine L. Cotton Dr.

Undergraduate Research Conference

This research aims to explore how awareness of behavioral challenges, such as aggression, defiance, and hyperactivity, affects the preparedness of recent Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) graduates. With over 84% of children receiving SLP services also facing emotional or behavioral difficulties, it is crucial to examine whether new SLPs feel prepared to manage these challenges. The study seeks to assess whether increased awareness of behavioral issues correlates with greater confidence and readiness in addressing them during the first year of clinical practice. The study will involve administering a survey to first-year Speech-Language Pathologists. The survey will focus on their preparedness and their …

Cultural Linguistic Bias In Language Assessments For Children, Madison Wester

Spring Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry

Cultural linguistic bias is present in almost all language assessments for children, such as the Preschool Language Scales (PLS-5) and the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF-5). Cultural linguistic bias is bias against those who speak a different dialect, such as African American Vernacular English or Appalachian English. Bias in these assessments leads to over-diagnosing children with language disorders, which is harmful in a number of ways. To decrease this bias, SLPs should take a language sample to assess a child’s natural language. However, this process can be time-consuming, which is why the use of online tools, such as SUGAR, …

Addressing Ai Usage In Your Course Syllabus: A Guide For Faculty, Diana Almodovar Ph.D.

Open Educational Resources

No abstract provided.

Pediatric Hearing Loss: Screening For Developmental Delays Among Children With Hearing Aids, Kelsey Wallace

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Children with hearing impairments are at risk for developmental delay, and research has shown that children born with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) are at a higher risk for delays in motor, sensory, and social skills development. The literature points to an obvious impact of hearing loss on development, but also a lack of screening for this phenomenon beyond language development skills. A doctoral capstone project was conducted to pilot a process for the implementation of developmental screening for children with hearing aids (HAs), as well as subsequent therapy referrals and parent education, in collaboration with a hospital-based pediatric audiology department. …

The Influence Of Cognition On Dysphagia In Adults With Severe Traumatic Brain Injury, Elizabeth Mcdonald

Student Academic Conference

Dysphagia leads to an increased risk of morbidity and mortality (Alhashemi, 2010), and individuals with severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are at an extremely heightened risk of developing dysphagia. This paper identified the known links between cognition and dysphagia, specifically focusing on adults with severe TBIs. The Rancho Los Amigos Revised Scale (RLAS-R) was found to be the best predictive factor in the presence, severity, and resolution of dysphagia (Terré & Mearin, 2007; Terré & Mearin, 2009; Hansen et al., 2008). This information is vital for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to understand due to their experience and expertise in treating disorders …

Impacts Of Socioeconomic Status On Language Development In Preschool Children, Denise Adriaansen

Student Academic Conference

According to Lee (2023), 37.9 million Americans are living in poverty. Poverty is associated with deficits in language, communication, and social skills. Language development is a crucial aspect of a child's development. Children who live in low-socioeconomic households have a higher prevalence of language impairments. This paper will explore the impact that socioeconomic status has on language development in preschool-aged children. It includes becoming knowledgeable on serving individuals that come from different backgrounds, including level of socioeconomic status. It is important for all individuals especially professionals who will serve this population to understand how level of socioeconomic status can affect …

The Psychosocial Effects Of Alaryngeal Speech Following A Laryngectomy, Jennifer Cloos

Student Academic Conference

When an individual is unable to communicate using verbal speech, they can be given or introduced to a variety of alternative or augmentative options to help assist in their ability to communicate their wants and needs appropriately. In this paper the focus is on communication from those who have had a partial or total laryngectomy procedure and how the alteration of their means of communicative output affects their psychosocial health and well-being. This literature review breaks down what kind of care is expected for laryngectomees post-operation, options for communicative output following that procedure, how intensive surgeries and artificial voice options …

The Role Of High School Based Speech Language Pathologists In Transitioning Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder Into Professional Careers, Cameryn Maykut

Student Academic Conference

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is widely known to be one of the fastest growing developmental disabilities in the United States. Due to the ever-increasing prevalence of ASD, it is essential for Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) to be educated on how to provide the highest quality of services to this population. This research paper aims to investigate the role of the high school based SLP while working with students with ASD during the transition from high school to vocational settings. Research was collected through compiling data from a variety of peer-reviewed scholarly sources, such as journals, articles, and organizations. Findings from the …

The Speech Language Pathologist's Role In Intervention For Parkinson's Disease, Jenna Lovaas

Student Academic Conference

This literature review explored the available intervention techniques utilized by Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) when treating individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Parkinson's disease affects six million people worldwide and is expected to double by the year 2040. Deficits associated with PD manifest themselves into motor and non-motor symptoms that show varying benefit from pharmacological approaches alone. For this reason, SLPs provided comprehensive treatment approaches to address the challenges related to dysarthria, dysphagia, and cognitive linguistic skills. Treatment consisted of behavioral techniques, diet modifications, compensatory strategies, muscle strength training, and restorative training. While some techniques demonstrated benefit to more than one …

The Effect Of Melodic Intonation Therapy On Language Recovery In Patients After Stroke, Alie Rockey

Student Academic Conference

This project is an examination of literature discussing the effects of Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT) on language recovery in patients after stroke. The role of MIT after stroke is to encourage language recovery and promote overall well-being. Nine studies are summarized pertaining to the importance of MIT for individuals after stroke and the generalization of this approach. The existing literature supported MIT as a consistent intervention approach that positively impacted stroke and language recovery. Additionally, this review explored implementation options and the importance of each method. The importance for future research and synthesis is impactful across settings. Overall implications predict …

Best Practice Interventions For Individuals With Cleft Palate, Aleisha Johnson

Student Academic Conference

Cleft palate and cleft lip with palate occur in every 1,700 and 1,600 births (ASHA, n.d.). Speech-language pathology intervention is often needed by individuals who have had a cleft palate; about 50% of individuals who have had a repaired cleft palate are referred to speech pathology services (Sand et al., 2022). According to Alighieri et al. (2021), there is a lack of clear procedures when administering treatment to individuals with repaired cleft palates. The purpose of this project is to identify best practice for speech therapy interventions for individuals with repaired cleft palates. This project reviews the traditional articulation approach, …

Understanding Practitioner’S Perceptions Of Speech And Language Therapy Services In The Juvenile Justice System, Julia Buendgen

Student Academic Conference

The purpose of this study was to gain more understanding of how individuals who work with the juvenile justice population understand language disorders and the scope of speech and language therapy services. In addition, this study explored potential supports for individuals working in this setting. This study consisted of twenty participants working in the juvenile justice system who completed a survey tool that was designed by the researcher to describe the participant's perceptions of speech-language pathology, current procedures, reported challenges, and potential areas in need of support. Participant knowledge of the scope of speech-language pathology varied among participants. The highest …

Focus Groups: Perceived Stress And Stress Management Techniques Of Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Students, Emily Karevold

Student Academic Conference

Speech-Language Pathologists are required to earn a master's degree from an accredited program (ASHA, n.d.). Graduate students, typically in their twenties and thirties, are prone to stress that arise while completing their graduate degree such as paying off undergraduate student debt, earning a sustainable income while in school, and working on establishing a professional identity within their career field (Cho & Hayter, 2020). This stress is magnified by the stress associated with earning a graduate education, which negatively impacts their productivity and diminishes their mental and physical well-being (Cho & Hayter, 2020).Stress can be defined as any change that causes …

Psychosocial Effects Of Stuttering In Adults: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy And The Role Of The Slp, Gabrielle Furman

Student Academic Conference

Adults who stutter may be struggling with the psychological or emotional impacts relating to their stutter. This project examines the psychosocial effects of stuttering on adults and addresses the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy to reduce the negative feelings and attitudes towards their stutter. The aspects of cognitive-behavioral therapy and the techniques involved were explored. This therapy approach was found to be beneficial for adults who stutter in reducing anxiety and social avoidance, increasing participation in daily activities, and increasing confidence in speaking situations. The role of the speech-language pathologist was found to include choosing an approach that best fits the …

Service-Learning Through Chapter Chats: A Personal Reflection, Charity B. Blalock, Maryse Azer, April Garrity

Eagle Showcase: Excellence in Service-Learning

Eagle showcase:excellence in service learning

Global Strategies For Addressing Communication Disorders In Justice-Involved Youth, Sophia Martinez, Anne Marie Perrotti, Brooke Baker, Allison Chappell

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Throughout all stages of processing, most juveniles who encounter the justice system demonstrate cognitive-communicative difficulties (CCDs). Empirical evidence reveals that 19-22% of female and 28-38% of male youth offenders, culminating in approximately 50-60% of youth offenders, demonstrate language disorders that require intervention, but most have never received services (Snow et al., 2014; Winstanley et al., 2021). Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are communication experts certified to assess and treat CCDs. While nations abroad recognize the value of SLP involvement in all stages of processing for justice-involved youth (JIY), America lags in utilizing SLPs to improve JIY outcomes and lower youth's risk of …

Supporting The Development Of Early Literacy For Children Using Augmentative And Alternative Communication (Aac), Logan Winter

Student Academic Conference

This literature review was completed to explore emerging literacy skills in children who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) for communication purposes. This paper explored the differences in language and literacy learning for children who utilize AAC. For children in early developmental phases of language, AAC played a role in both receptive and expressive language. Skills learned in receptive and expressive language can be shaped into what is considered early literacy skills. Through findings by researchers and experts in the field of AAC and speech-language pathology this paper defined specific interventions and supports that can be implemented during the development …

The Effects Of Verbal Fluency Interventions: Phonemic Versus Semantic Fluency Outcomes In Parkinson’S Disease, Brian Connelly

Student Academic Conference

•Relevant Literature and Background –Verbal Fluency Tasks –Parkinson’s Disease •Practice Activity –Phonemic and Semantic Trials •Discussion of the Study –Methods –Results –Discussion

Post-Intensive Care Syndrome Prevention And Detection In Covid-19 Patients, Bethany Sloane Melega

Student Scholar Showcase

COVID-19 has impacts on patient health beyond the hospital. The trauma that patients, and families of patients, can experience during an admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) can last long after discharge from the ICU and the hospital in general. The psychological and physical impacts of ICU hospitalization can cause patients to experience Post Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS). PICS is the culmination of symptoms that persist after a critical illness that involve all aspects of a patient’s physical and mental well-being and can significantly affect family life and increase recovery time. Due to the strict personal-protective equipment (PPE) usage …

Viewpoints Of Church Leadership On Signed Language Interpreters, Cameron Strowbridge, Nicole Denu Thorn

Liberty University Research Week

Undergraduate

Theoretical Proposal

Attempts At Subject Pronouns Across Assessments In Preschoolers, Lauren Riggleman

Honors Projects

Young children sometimes substitute pronouns, for example, saying ‘her goes’ instead of ‘she goes.’ Seventeen four-year-olds’ use of third person pronouns (i.e. he, she, they, her, him, them) was assessed with both a formal test and an informal play-based language sample. This study compares pronoun use across the two assessment settings. The percentage of correct pronoun use was calculated from the language samples, and pronoun attempts on the formal assessment were counted. Out of the 17 children observed, ten children had perfect pronoun use on the informal assessment, and eight children attempted all pronouns in the play-based language sample. The …

Cochlear Implants And Executive Function In Children: A Current Review Of Literature, Jessica Bonezzi, Dr. Alex Meibos

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

We systematically reviewed existing research on cochlear implantation and executive function to determine if children with bilateral profound hearing loss with cochlear implantation have executive functioning levels similar to their normal hearing peers. Overall, we wanted to know if cochlear implantation resulted in executive functioning in deaf children. A systematic analysis of research was performed using the Preferred Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) technique. Research comparing unilaterally implanted children to bilaterally implanted children shows that bilaterally implanted children scored higher on verbal IQ tests. Research comparing predominately bilaterally implanted children to norms presents split results.

Hear Me Out: Communication And Peer Support For Adults With Hearing Loss, Emma Furness

Senior Honors Projects

Progressive hearing loss is a natural part of aging. It can take adults an average of seven years between the time they perceive they have a hearing loss and they see an audiologist for testing, diagnosis, and treatment. Dealing with hearing loss can be extremely stressful and confusing for both the patient and the family. After receiving the diagnosis of hearing loss, the patient’s next step is to discuss all options with theaudiologist including hearing aids and assistive listening devices. Being fit with hearing aids is a great start, but patients can benefit from further education and support not always …

Table Of A Second Chance, Jean P. Belizaire Mr.

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

i will present on the continous dilemma on the opiate crisis and the best practices based on 5 years experience in the field in helping to stabilize and rehabilitate those held in the grips of addictions and various related symptoms of addictions.

We Are The Medicine, Madalynn Wendland, Toni Speed

Interprofessional Education

We are all healers— to ourselves, each other and the world around us. Whether you are on the path of becoming a health professional, or have been in practice for a long time, this half-day workshop will help you to view healing from a holistic perspective that draws from the ancient traditions while respecting contemporary science.

Bilingualism And The American Family, Caitlin M. Nickerson

Senior Honors Projects

Bilingualism is the ability to speak more than one language fluently. People of all ages may aspire to learn a second or third language in order to fulfill both personal goals and communicate with a variety of people in different contexts. Irrespective of one’s walk of life or socioeconomic status, being bilingual is a valuable skill. Although English is the language of power in the United States, there are hundreds of other languages spoken in this country.

There are a number of different ways in which children can become bilingual. For example, they may enter the school system speaking the …

Creating Therapy Materials To Improve Communication Of Young Children, Allison J. Corey

Senior Honors Projects

Once children start preschool, they should be able to speak in simple sentences and use basic syntax. When they complete preschool and begin kindergarten, they should be using complete, complex sentences, have an extensive vocabulary, and use correct grammar. However, sometimes a child’s language doesn’t develop as expected resulting in speech delays or impairments. This problem could arise for a multitude of reasons, for example, the child may be on the autism spectrum, he/she may have a specific language delay, or it may be due to an articulation/phonology problem. The role of a speech language pathologist (SLP) in a school …

Practices Supporting Breastfeeding In The Nicu: A National Survey, Elizabeth E. Nottingham

Showcase of Graduate Student Scholarship and Creative Activities

Babies who are born early are at risk for developing serious life-threatening conditions and developmental delays. Providing babies with breast milk, and helping them breast feed has been shown to reduce the chances of these conditions and delays. However, hospitals across the country have adopted wildly different practices when it comes to feeding these babies. By understanding the current practices in hospitals across the country, we can begin to understand how to affect change.

Effectiveness And Parent Acceptability Of 'Youth Engagement Through Intervention' Social Skills Group For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Zachary Shindorf, Anisa Goforth, Jennifer K. Schoffer Closson, Erin Yosai, Phillip A. Thomas, Miki J. Anderson

Speech, Language, Hearing, and Occupational Sciences Faculty Publications

This poster was presented at the Annual National Association of School Psychologists Conference in Orlando, Florida.