Communication Sciences and Disorders Commons^™

How Music Shapes Our Identities And Why It Matters: Case Studies Of Professional Musicians, Annabelle Linker

2021 Honors Symposium

Brain research has demonstrated that music uniquely contributes to neural functioning, but little is known about how losing the ability to produce music, which may be inherent to personal identity for professional singers,impacts quality of life. The results of this study may provide insight for enhancing the use of music as a therapeutic tool that bridges identity and quality of life. Findings are discussed in relation to claims that awareness of personal identity in speech-language interventions can contribute to patient centered discussions about quality of life. Thisstudy explored identity and music in the lives of five well-known vocal music professionals …

Noise Exposure And Hearing Protection In Marching Band Students, Emily Myers

2021 Honors Symposium

Musicians, marching band students in particular, are at risk for Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NlHL) as they are frequently exposed to sound levels ranging from 85-114dB (Dinakaran, & Rejoythadathil, 20 I 8; Jansen et al., 2008; Libbin, 2008). It is recolillilended that those exposed to loud sounds wear ear protection regularly (Audiological Services for Musicians and Music Industry Personell, 2019.; Loud Noise Dangers, n.d.). Musicians are often reluctant to wear hearing protection for various reasons (Jin et al., 2013). Standard earplugs are typically offered to marching band members.

The purpose of this study was to determine how many band members …

Defining Bimodal Bilingualism Within The Field Of Speech-Language Pathology, Jaycie Strunk

2021 Honors Symposium

BACKGROUND
• Speech-language pathologists work with a variety of individuals that each uniquely have their own journey in learning and using language for communication. Many times, professionals are working with those with hearing loss, who are diverse in their use of communication.
• 14.9% of children in between the ages of 6-19 years suffer from hearing loss (Niskar, 1998). This is a large group of individuals that speech-language pathologists serve, each with different goals and needs.
• According to the CDC, around 90% of children born with a congenital hearing loss are born to parents who are not deaf, which …

Facilitating Transition: Moving Beyond High School As A Member Of The Autism Spectrum Community, Cameron Sturgeon, Anna Krizman, Brittany Tran

2021 Honors Symposium

This research seeks to investigate the transition process of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from high school to post graduation life from the perspective of the transitioning youths’ caregivers. Data has been collected through an online survey, providing qualitative research, of parents’ perception of their children’s transition processes. This research is an important insight on how to better help individuals with ASD gradually navigate new school and lifestyle changes. On this poster you will find an introduction, list of material, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion, direction of future research, references, and acknowledgements.

Perspectives Of Caregivers On Early Onset Dementia: An Investigation Of The Role Of Attachment And Shifts In Identity, Claire Wood

2021 Honors Symposium

Early onset dementia (EOD), diagnosed earlier than 65, is an incurable, neurogenic disease that impacts every aspect of individual and family life as it progresses through three stages. The scope of caregiving broadens from initially helping with the instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and progressing to assistance with essential activities of daily living (ADL) as dementia deepens. The physical demands of caregiving and emotional demands of caring about a loved one who is losing themselves are challenges that impact quality of life. Understanding the role that identity preservation plays as dementia deepens becomes a quality-of-life priority for caregivers and …

Loss And Attainment Of Identity For Individuals Experiencing Early-Onset Dementia, Benjamin Wright

2021 Honors Symposium

Dementia is a progressive neurogenic disease impacting individuals younger than 65 years old who often are working, raising families, and contributing to society. Individuals experiencing early-onset dementia (EOD) gradually lose selfperception, and others including family may no longer perceive them as the people they once were. How can caregivers and therapists protect and preserve a sense of identity that will contribute to quality of life? Narrative research claims storytelling stitches together fragments of life and is a tool for understanding oneself and negotiating this with others. Understanding the impact of narrative shifts that reflect changing identity and personhood could facilitate …

A Qualitative Case Study: Exploring The Application Of Physiological Measures In Prelinguistic Aac Intervention, Chloe Putnam

2021 Honors Symposium

Prelinguistic communication is defined as that which comes before linguistic development and consists of nonverbal means of communication, such as gestures, eye gaze, vocalizations, and expressions (Franco, Davis, & Davis, 2013). In typical development, prelinguistic communication is evident in infants during the beginning stages of communication, before language emerges. However, some individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) with communication limitations continue to use prelinguistic communication as a primary mode of communication later in life. The goal of completing this research is to explore the potential promise of the novel approach of applying physiological measures to AAC intervention for prelinguistic …

Social Conformity And The Line Judgement Task For Adolescents With Asd, Jamie Mcclendon

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

The primary intent of this study is to add to the growing research regarding social functioning and theory of mind (ToM) of young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study takes into account the Solomon Asch line judgement tasks effect on peer pressure and social conformity. Previous research has shown that there is a discrepancy in the conformity exhibited by typically developing individuals (TD) and ASD individuals. This study seeks to address the degree to which ASD individuals are affected by social influence and how likely they will be to conform. Conformity rates will be compared to that of …

Examination Of Language Skills In Children Who Attend Head Start Programs, Madilyn Littlefield

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Socioeconomic status and poverty can greatly affect child development and have lasting impacts throughout life. Children who are raised in a low socioeconomic status homes may experience limited parent sensitivity, limited parental engagement, and limited access to stimulating materials. These factors may also limit opportunities to experience rich language and literacy experiences which can negatively impact development of emergent literacy skills and later educational growth. To reduce the effects of poverty on school readiness, income-based childcare programs allow families access to affordable early school readiness opportunities that are developmentally appropriate. Head Start programs are designed to facilitate child development, provide …

Development Of The Caregiver-Child Auditory Skills Tracking (Cast) Scale: A Pilot Study On Caregiver Implementation Via International Telepractice, Elizabeth Ocampo-Roman

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Parent engagement is a key component during early language development for all children, but particularly for a child with hearing loss. Through the application of technology-based models of service delivery such as telehealth, researchers have found an increase in parent-child engagement during auditory-verbal therapy (AVT) sessions due to the physical absence of the provider and parents becoming the primary language facilitators. However, current measures of parent-child interactions do not have a coding system to monitor facilitation of auditory skills. This present study will discuss the development of the Caregiver-Child Auditory Skills Tracking (CAST) Scale to track progress of caregiver implementation …

Teaming For Transition: Interprofessional Collaboration, Megan Sturdivant, Emily Thompson, Sam Skelton, Rebecca Mallory

2020 Honors Symposium

The transition from youth to young adult for individuals with severe disabilities is difficult, provides few opportunities for employment, and offers less of a chance to connect with friends and engage with people. This research presents ways that speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, school counselors, and special educators can collaborate to create a successful transition process for individuals with severe disabilities.

Development Of Early Social Interactions In Infants Exposed To Artificial Intelligence From Birth, Anna Vest

2020 Honors Symposium

Emersion in a ‘smart’ world of technology starts the day an infant enters the door of a home shared with Amazon Alexa, Siri, Nest, and perhaps a smart baby bassinet. This exposure raises a question about how artificial intelligence might yield a different experience in social and interactive life for infants that have been exposed to it from their earliest days.

Working Memory And Executive Function In Young Adults: Hearing, What Is It Good For?, Addison Lentz

2020 Honors Symposium

Little is understood about how hearing loss impacts cognition in young adults. This presentation discusses the results of an experimental study that examined these constructs in young adults with a simulated hearing loss.

Hearing Loss And Working Memory In Young Adults, Ashton Robbins

2020 Honors Symposium

This study examined the relationship between hearing loss and working memory in young adults with normal hearing (ages 18-35) through the analysis of two NIH toolbox assessments completed by participants when exposed to moderate hearing loss using an atraumatic methodology. This study is relevant for a variety of health professions.

Social Conformity And The Line Judgment Task For Adolescents With Asd, Jamie Mcclendon

2020 Honors Symposium

The primary intent of this study is to address the conformity rates exhibited by individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

• The Solomon Asch line judgement task is used to test the effects of peer pressure on social conformity.
• There is a discrepancy in the conformity exhibited by typically developing individuals (TD) and ASD individuals.
• This study seeks to address the degree to which ASD individuals are affected by social influence and how likely they will be to conform.
• Conformity rates will be compared to that of TD college age students as well as students with various intellectual disabilities (ID).

This …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Motor Planning With Core Vocabulary: A Behavior Analytic Account, Alison Judith Karnes

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

As the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) increases, it is important for practitioners to continue to improve evidence-based practices (EBP) for the treatment of ASD symptoms (i.e., impairments in social communication and repetitive behaviors and restricted interests; American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013). It is estimated that 30-50% of individuals with autism do not acquire functional speech (Wodka, Mathy, & Kalb, 2013). These individuals would make appropriate candidates for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC; Mirenda, 2003). One form of AAC is the speech-generating device (SGD). Over the last ten years, tablet-based technologies including iPad minisⓇ have been emphasized in the …

Effect Of Consistent Singing On Maintenance Of Speech Intelligibility Following Lsvt®: A Retrospective Longitudinal Case Study, Rachel Ricca Beck

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Parkinson’s Disease is a common neurodegenerative disease affecting one’s ability to hone and refine volitional movement. Many with Parkinson’s report significant effects on voice and communication. Speech-language pathologists have long targeted the achievement of increased vocal volume through intensive voice therapy, with the most common program being Lee Silverman Voice Treatment® (LSVT®) (Ramig et al., 1994). While LSVT® is the most prominent type of voice therapy for individuals with Parkinson’s, other researchers have begun investigating therapeutic singing because of the similar functions it employs (e.g., increased breath support, utilization of entire vocal range).

The current project is a retrospective, longitudinal …

Family Dynamics And Auditory Verbal Therapy, Casey Baldwin

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

Auditory Verbal Therapy (AVT) is an intervention approach that is structured around caregiver involvement. While this model emphasizes the need for interventions to occur throughout the week within activities of daily living, many families have different dynamics and are drifting away from the “standard” two-parent structure. This study aims to explore the different family structures and dynamics of children who are receiving AVT services. Findings demonstrated that AVT does not seem to interfere with participation in extracurricular activities, it may be beneficial for families to have different people in the family taking the child to therapy and facilitating therapy at …

American English Speakers' Perception Of Non-Native Phonotactic Constraints: The Influence Of Training In Phonology, Bailey R. Pearson

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of the present study was to examine the differences between perceptions of non-native phonotactic rules and constraints by monolingual English-speaking undergraduate students in a program of communication disorders who had taken and passed a course in the study of phonology and by undergraduate students in communication disorders who had not yet taken a course in phonology. Participants listened to audio recordings of words from Hindi, Hmong, Kurdish, Russian, and Swedish recorded by speakers fluent in those languages. Each of the words contained at least one phonotactic constraint that is not permitted in American English phonology. Participants were instructed …

The Impact Of Technology On Individuals With Down Syndrome And Their Families, Morgan N. Fritz

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine the role technology plays in the everyday lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Data was collected via an online questionnaire for parents of adolescents with Down syndrome and took place in two phases: the pilot phase and the large-scale data collection phase. The pilot phase consisted of constructing, giving, and modifying the questionnaire. The large-scale data collection phase included disseminating the questionnaire through social media and resulted in 107 responses. These revealed that technology is widely used by individuals with Down syndrome. As a main outcome, technology provided these …

A Qualitative Study Of The Effects Of The University Of Arkansas Autism Support Program, Jessica Post

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

Abstract

Individuals who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder are often united by the following characteristics: difficulty communicating and interacting with others, inhibited ability to function socially, difficulty functioning academically or at work, and trouble transitioning to independent lifestyles (Lord, 2013). The purpose of this study was to determine how undergraduate students with Autism Spectrum Disorder perceive the helpfulness of the University of Arkansas Autism Support Program in the following areas: reducing college- related stress, facilitating academic success, facilitating social success, and preparing individuals for independent adult roles. In short, the study sought to determine the effects of the …

Musical Ear Syndrome: What Do We Know?, Cara D. Pestel

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to review the existing literature regarding Musical Ear Syndrome and other related auditory hallucinations. While the existence of auditory hallucinations is evident, their cause is unclear and widely understudied. There was a need for existing information to be compiled for use in the healthcare field. This review of existing literature will aid speech-language pathologists, audiologists, nurses, psychologists, and physicians in understanding this condition and what differentiates it from other various disorders. This will allow these professionals to better understand the experiences and needs of those with Musical Ear Syndrome.

Need For Speech-Language Pathologists In Juvenile Detention Centers In Arkansas, Jessica R. Stephenson

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

Young offenders in juvenile detention centers (JDCs) have a higher than average incidence of communication difficulties. There is limited published research on incidence of communication disorders and intervention techniques on this population in Arkansas. Speechlanguage pathologists (SLP) have been implemented in the JDC setting in other countries to determine if having speech-language therapy services will benefit juvenile offenders with their legal experiences and their lives post release. The limited research that is available identifies the need for a full range of speech-language therapy services to lower recidivism rates and provide offenders with the necessary tools for functional communication. The first …

An Internationally Adopted Child's Transition: A Family Story, Holly C. Heckmann

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

The goal of this study was to contribute to the literature on international adoption by conducting a case study with one adoptive family. Data was collected using a semi-structured, in-depth interview that was audio recorded and transcribed word-for-word. The interview questions asked about family configuration, language background and use, adoptive family decisions about cultural inclusiveness, and the transition from home to school. The analysis was member-checked following coding for the themes that emerged. Results indicated that lingering differences from reduced exposure to language in the first year of life took the form of subtle language differences that continued through the …

The Shaping Of Motherhood: How Raising A Child Who Stutters Impacts Identity, Madeline Wagnon

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

The ways that raising a child who stutters shapes the identity of parents, particularly mothers, has received little attention. The purpose of this study was to investigate the shaping of motherhood by the stuttering experiences of children. Three mothers who have parented children who stuttered at some point in their lives participated. A semi-structured, audio-recorded interview was used to gather data. Each interview was transcribed and read for major and minor themes, which were subsequently member checked for accuracy. Results revealed major themes of attachment, family dynamic, acceptance, empathy, and control, including control efforts and lack of control. Common emotions …

Learning To Be Fit: Social Change For Individuals With Cognitive Differences Through Organized Team Based Sports, Kayla T. Waters

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

Abstract

This project investigated the importance and impact of physical activity on the lives of individuals with special needs. Two three-person focus groups, one composed of individuals involved in the Special Olympics and one of individuals not involved in the Special Olympics, participated in the study. Data was collected by videotaping each group’s process during a 20-minute self-directed session that included assigning roles and responsibilities in order to answer 10 semi-structured interview questions. Approach to assigning roles, organization of the process, and answers to the interview questions were analyzed and member checked. This study found that individuals involved in the …

Quality Of Life After Total Laryngectomy, Brooke L. Baioni

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study is to understand the physical, psychological, and social changes that patients undergo post laryngectomy surgery that may impact their quality of life. The participants for this study included laryngectomized patients, family members or friends of patients, and speech pathologists. Data was gathered using an online questionnaire distributed through social media outlets, support groups, medical centers, speech clinics, and by word of mouth. A total of 35 responses were gathered with 29 surveys being fully completed. This research found that participants who reported being most satisfied with their life overall, were most satisfied with their social …

Detecting Cognitive Load During Working Memory Tasks Utilizing A Digitizer Tablet, Cassandra K. Ward, Pradyumn Srivastava

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this line of research is to determine whether the ‘Digitizer’ is a reliable and valid way to measure cognitive load during dual working memory-drawing tasks. A quasi-experimental study was conducted at the University of Arkansas in a research laboratory, and participants included seven right-handed healthy adults with normal or corrected vision and no reading difficulty. The participants were selected on a volunteer basis. The study required participants to draw circles while continuously performing in three conditions – one baseline and two working memory experimental tasks, administered in counterbalanced order. The baseline task was to read an 8 …

Perceptions Of The Effects Of Vocal Fry On Aspirational Careers In Prospective Job Markets, Darby B. Kunnemann

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

With the job market becoming increasingly difficult to enter, coupled by a growing public distaste for vocal fry, the question of the study is to determine if participants of the study in the general public can detect vocal fry, and if so, if it has an effect on which voice a participant would choose to hire for a position. The participants included 64 people residing in the United States, ranging from the ages 20-70 with varying backgrounds. Data was collected using an online questionnaire that included recorded voice samples. The study found that male students more accurately identifying vocal fry …

Adopting Children With Down Syndrome: A Qualitative Study Of Family Experiences, Emily L. Richter

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study is to qualitatively investigate and compare the family beliefs, values, and perceptions of parenting of families who have adopted children with Down syndrome (DS) to parents who have biological children with DS. Participants in the study included 27 parents of biological children with DS and six parents of adopted children with DS. Participants were interviewed through a digital survey that was distributed through Qualtrics Online Survey Software. Quantitative analysis placed the participants into groups and qualitative analysis was used to identify beliefs, values, and perceptions. Results showed that while both adoptive and biological parents indicated …