Communication Sciences and Disorders Commons^™

Perceptions Fathers Have On Time Spent With Preschool Children And Its Impact On Language Outcome Measures, Megan E. Porter

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

Research has shown there are differences between mother and father language usage with their children. There is no information on language use of fathers who spend a high quality amount of time with their children. This study attempted to identify language characteristics of fathers who report high participation in household and childcare activities.

Outcomes In Language And Social Skills As Seen In Children With Autism And Developmental Disabilities Participating In Equine Assisted Activities, Megan Koenigseder

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

Individuals with developmental disabilities commonly present characteristics that include deficits in social and communicative abilities. A number of intervention strategies have been implemented, but none have proven to be most effective. A somewhat novel approach known as equine assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) involves the utilization of horses during intervention and has shown to be effective in areas concerning quality of life, social functioning, self-regulation, adaptive behaviors, motor control, and motivation.

The purpose of the current study is to examine the effects of EAA on social skills and expressive language in 2-4 children diagnosed with developmental disability. Participants engaged in …

Differences Between Two Head Start Locations Using The Developmental Indicators For The Assessment Of Learning (Dial) As A Measure Of Language And Concepts, Hailey Guthrie

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

The study was conducted on a sample of 43 students between two Head Start locations, A and B. Sociodemographic information was obtained via questionnaires completed by parents at locations A and B. The Developmental Indicators for the Assessment of Learning, Fourth Edition (DIAL-4) was the screener used to assess each child’s performance with regards to language, concept, and motoric development. There was no significant difference between locations A and B for concept and language sub-test standard scores. DIAL motor sub-test scores for locations A and B were statistically significant. This study found that the DIAL is a reliable way to …

Parent Beliefs About Technology: A Comparison Of Homeschool And Formal Education Families, Eli L. Skelton

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to gain information about how technology is used by parents to assist school learning as well as their opinions and beliefs about the role of technology in the learning process. Specifically, using homeschool and educational networks as well as social media for distribution of a digital questionnaire, this study sought to gauge parents’ experience with, as well as responses to, attitudes, and values towards the use of technology in homeschool and classroom education. Sixty-five parents of children who are studying at the elementary grade levels participated in this study. Twenty of these were parents …

Toddlers And Technology: An Examination Of How The Digital Surround May Be Related To Prototypic Vocabulary Development And Social Interactions During Play, Hannah Biarnesen Hutcheson

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This study sought to examine how the digital technology that surrounds young children may be related to prototypic vocabulary development and Social interactions during play. Twenty-six families in the Northwest Arkansas region with children between 15-36 months of age participated in the study. Thirteen children attended a campus preschool, six children attended a grant-funded local preschool, and seven children, all from the Northwest Arkansas area, were part of an earlier home-based study. The materials for the study included a developmental-technology use questionnaire and the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories. Archival videotaped play sessions with the seven home-based children utilized a “Little …

Nonverbal Interaction Between Adults And Young Children During Digital And Real Object Play, Breanne M. Witherspoon

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study explored the developmental play behaviors and use of nonverbal communication of children that are raised in homes that differ in the amount and kind of digital exposure they have experienced within the first three years of life. Thirty minute videotaped play sessions of seven different children ranging in age from 20 to 30 months who were categorized as having low digital exposure in the home, TV exposure only, or high digital exposure based on a digital use questionnaire completed by parents were coded for the contribution of eye gaze, body positioning, and hand movement engagement to negotiate play …

Parenting Attitudes And Stress Levels Among Parents Of Children Who Are Deaf, Elise Claire Davies

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study is to determine the attitudes and stressors of parents of children who are deaf. Parents of children with differing levels of hearing loss and communication modalities participated in this study. An electronic questionnaire assessed parents’ attitudes and stress levels that are involved in the Northwest Arkansas Hands and Voices program. The parents received a qualitative survey generated from Survey Monkey examining how their attitudes and stress are affected by their child’s hearing loss and if the Hands and Voices program alleviates some of the stress they may experience. Descriptive analyses were used to examine the …

Understanding Early Intervention Services For Hispanic Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Valeria Font Zorrilla

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

Clear communication between speech-language pathologists and their clients and client’s families is essential for the success of therapy. A common language between therapist and client also facilitates the exchange of information, however this is not always possible. The purpose of this study was to develop a Fotonovela as an informative tool for Hispanic parents with children in the autism spectrum to use as an early intervention guide, to provide information on therapy services and to promote the understanding between professionals and culturally diverse populations. A Fotonovela is a pamphlet with photographs in the comic-book format that usually depicts a story …

The Inclusion Of Music Therapy In Speech-Language Interventions, Torry Farnell

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the inclusion of music in speech-language therapy. One hundred practicing speech-language pathologists (SLPs) participated in the study. There was no control for geographic location, length of time as an SLP, or work setting. A questionnaire devised from the research literature that gathered demographic information and the integration of music into speech-language therapy practices was used to gather data. It was electronically distributed via social media by means of a link that remained active for approximately six weeks. Data from the questionnaire was used descriptively to answer the questions of the study. The …

Speech Reading Training And Audio-Visual Integration In A Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Kara L. Saulsbury

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) typically have deficits in communication abilities. Deficits include social, linguistic, and pragmatic difficulties and difficulties in the ability to perceive and integrate audiovisual (AV) stimuli. It is also common for those with ASD to have weaker speech reading skills as compared to typically developing, age-matched peers. Speech reading skills are known to enhance speech perception in naturalistic, noisy environments. In children with ASD, the combination of both poor AV integration and poor speech reading is thought to have significant effects on vocabulary acquisition. Studies have demonstrated that speech reading training can significantly enhance syllable …

Assessing Vocabulary Of Children: Investigating The Evaluation And Instruction Of Basic Concepts, Rebecca Elizabeth Smith

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Vocabulary knowledge of preschool children is a key factor in predicting literacy success in elementary school (Hammer, Farkas, & Maczuga, 2010). However, few deliberate attempts to teach basic concept vocabulary have been studied (Bowers & Schwarz, 2013; Wilson, 2004). The purpose of this research is to determine if large group explicit instruction with interactive activities of specific basic concept vocabulary will increase preschool children's understanding of basic concept terms when measured by a standardized basic concept assessment. This research will also assess the validity of a basic concept-curriculum based measure (BC-CBM) as an efficient tool to monitor a child's understanding …

Affects Of Occupational Noise Exposure And Hearing Loss, Susan Taylor Smith

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the local prevalence of ear protection worn by the facilities management personnel at the University of Arkansas while working with loud equipment. The facilities management personnel who work in noisy environments were observed and surveyed to determine the prevalence of the use of hearing protective devices while on the job. There were thirty nine participants that completed the questionnaire and nine workers were observed while working with loud equipment on the University of Arkansas campus. The results of this study, both observation and questionnaire, showed that only about 60% of individuals working …

Sign Language And Early Childhood Development, Ellen C. Donoghue

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study is to determine the degree to which early childhood professionals from various occupations perceive early childhood language development to be impacted by Sign Language. Early childhood specialists, including teachers, and, speech-language pathologists were asked to participate in this study. Of those asked to participate 79 responses were collected. An electronic questionnaire that included demographic information as well as questions about the contribution of sign language to language development was constructed from the literature. A questionnaire was electronically distributed using Survey Monkey. Findings showed that these early childhood specialist agreed sign language can be beneficial to …

Impact Of Siblings On Pragmatic Development In Children With Cochlear Implants, Caitlin R. Mcafee

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the development of pragmatics in young children who have received cochlear implants (CI). There are limited studies that focus specifically on the pragmatic development of these children. This led to the questions of this study that focused on the development of early pragmatics and the possible role of older siblings on this development. Three children and their families participated in this study, one with bilateral cochlear implants, one with a unilateral implant, and one with hearing aids in both ears (who was a cochlear implant candidate). The child with bilateral cochlear implants …

The Differences In Spelling When Practice Utilizes A Word Processor Versus Writing By Hand; Parent Perceptions, Lauren E. Bleakley

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate parent perceptions about how their children become successful spellers by asking about digital and hand written practice alignment with test taking. Thirty parents of children from the primary grades of school (1st to 4th grade) were sought as participants. There was no control for the type of school (e.g. private versus public). The materials of the study included a brief questionnaire developed from the literature that ask demographic information (age, grade, etc.) and specifics about spelling homework, spelling tests in school, and perceived benefits of types of practice for spelling success. The …

The Impact Of Fluency On Word Choices And Functional Vocabulary In Children Who Stutter, Caillouet M. Clark

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study is to determine if stuttering affects word selection and/or narrative word usage in school-age children. Ten school-aged children who are either active stutters or who have a history of stuttering will be sought as participants. A brief questionnaire will separate the participants into two groups, i.e. active vs. history of stuttering. Two vocabulary tests, one receptive and the other expressive, and a written and oral narrative will be used to gather data on word selection and usage. Each child will be seen individually for data collection. Audio recordings will be used throughout this collection and …

Spouse Perception Of Speech Therapy For Individual's With Parkinson's Disease, Emily Katherine Mclain

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the spousal perceptions of a partner with Parkinson’s disease undergoing speech therapy versus a partner with Parkinson’s disease (PD) without any form of therapy. A case study approach was used to complete this research project. Two couples with one spouse in each of the couples having a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease were sought through nomination as participants. The gender, age, and length of time since diagnosis were matched for the individual with PD. One of the couples will have been enrolled in speech therapy while the other couple will have not. A …

The Complexity Of Diagnosis For Co-Occurring Minor Speech, Language And Hearing Problems: Perception Of Parents, Bethany Anderson

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to explore the understanding that parents have about the diagnostic process associated with co-occurring minor speech, language, and hearing problems in young children. The participants were 16 parents of young children between the ages of 2 and 5 years. The materials consisted of a questionnaire that delineated the diagnoses of the problem and referrals experienced by parents, which was electronically distributed by posting the link to social media sites. Results of the study indicate most parents reported only single issues such as ear infections or differences in oral structures/functions. Only 5 respondents indicated that …

Private Practice In Speech Language Pathology And Audiology: Experience, Preparation And Confidence Levels Of Practicing Professionals, Mary Kate Fortson

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study is to focus specifically on private practice in speech-language pathology by exploring the relationship between educational preparations and running a successful business that is also personally rewarding. Fifty speech-language pathologists and audiologists working in private practices will be given a questionnaire developed from the literature review. The questionnaire will include variables such as education, experience, and background as well as items specific to private practice. The questionnaire link will be sent to the Academy of Private Practitioners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and current private practitioners across the state of Arkansas. Participants will complete the …

Parent Perceptions Of The Relationship Between Pacifier Use, Thumb Sucking And Speech Production, Kelsey Elizabeth Wendt

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study is to investigate the perceptions of parents about the relationship between speech production and the usage of pacifiers and thumb sucking. One hundred and twenty five participants with children below the age of ten completed a digital questionnaire sent out through social media. The results revealed that the parents who let their child use a pacifier or suck their thumb use a variety of sources to gain information and form opinions about this. These ranged from print materials to website to friends and family. Pacifier use was more frequent than thumb sucking. Most parents did …

The Impact Of Digital And Physical Play On Early Childhood Development, Hannah B. Smith

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study explored the impact of technology on the play development of young children. Seven families with children between the ages of 18 and 36 months of age participated in the study. Four of the children were from homes that did not allow their children to handle and play with electronic devices, and three of the children from were from home that did allow such play. A brief developmental questionnaire was used to categorize the technology status of the home. The data collection consisted of 30-minute video recordings of each child playing with real objects followed by play with that …

Audio-Visual Speech Perception Training For A Child With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Case Study, April Parkridge

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) often have difficulty acquiring normal language skills, a deficit that may stem from an inability to integrate audiovisual (AV) information. Audiovisual information is important for language development and enhances language skills. When added to speech, visible facial movements are known to enhance speech perception in noisy environments, removing the equivalent of 20 decibels of auditory background noise. As such, AV integration is critical to the acquisition of an adequate vocabulary in natural, noisy environments. Due to weaker lip reading skills than typically developing children, it has been demonstrated that children with ASD are less …

Eeg Measurement Of Neural Oscillations At High And Low Frequencies Across Languages, Lauren Nicole Stewart

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Undergraduate Honors Theses

The comprehension and understanding of language depends upon two critical things: first, the acoustic integrity of the linguistic signal that is sent and received as well as the knowledge of the phonology and meaning that is in a given language. However, little is known about how brain rhythms that track these properties involved in comprehension and understanding. A 14 channel telemetric headset measuring electroencephalography (EEG) was used in this study to track the brain’s response at both high (30-50Hz) and low frequencies (3-30Hz) while language samples at varying levels of intelligibility were presented to a native Spanish speaker under the …

Treatment Of Stuttering In Children: Clinician Perceptions Of Therapy Approaches, Kolbee Gilmore

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the range of therapy approaches used to treat children who stutter in order to determine if there was a trend for clinicians to use technological devices rather than verbal methods. The questions of the study included the frequency at which each approach was used, whether or not the results differed based on the approach used, whether developmental age group was a factor regarding results, and the clients’ opinions on each approach. A brief survey was electronically distributed to 100 speech-language pathologists who have conducted therapy using either of the two approaches. The …

An Exploratory Study Of Characteristics Associated With Postsecondary Educational Attainment In Students Who Are Deaf Or Hard Of Hearing, Amy Marie Hebert

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

It is well documented that attrition in the postsecondary settings for students who are deaf or hard of hearing is greatly due to their academic and communication skills, as well as pre-entry attributes. However there is little evidence that indicates why students who are deaf or hard of hearing are successful in the postsecondary setting. This study tested a hypothesis that demographic, family, psychological and educational variables have a relationship with postsecondary attainment. The variables included in the study were gender, race, math literacy, reading literacy, high school academic setting (public/residential), communication modality (sign language/oral speech), cochlear implant user, parental …

Facilitating The Parent/Child Bond: The Training, The Role, And The Perceived Self-Efficacy Of Speech-Language Pathologists In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Shanley Taber

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the facilitation of parent/child bonding through the roles, training, and perceived self-efficacy of speech-language pathologists working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, as well as to investigate what changes could be made in speech pathology bonding education. Five certified speech-language pathologists currently working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit were contacted through an online questionnaire and asked to describe their preferences, beliefs, and practices. While results were variable, the respondents were unified in a belief that there is a connection between feeding disorders and disruption in parent/child bonding. They reported consistently using …

Assessing Auditory Comprehension In Teens With Autism Using The Porch Index Of Communicative Ability In Children, Kristen Muller

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this project was to investigate the feasibility of using the Porch Index of Communicative Ability in Children (PICAC), a test designed for children between the ages of 3 and 12 years of age, to assess auditory comprehension in teens with autism. Archival data was used to compare the performance of an 18-year-old male with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to that of a six year old male with developmental apraxia and an eight year old male with developmental dyslexia. The qualitative 16 point scoring system of the PICAC and analysis of extraneous behavior were compared across individuals. While …

Cochlear Implants: How Siblings Are Changed, Callie Wilson

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to understand the adjustment families undergo when a child is diagnosed with deafness as well as their adjustment to the child hearing after a cochlear implant is in place. The participants of the study were four hearing adults between the ages of 18-28 who have a younger sibling with a cochlear implant. The qualitative study used reports from four participants to reflect on how hearing loss and subsequent cochlear implantation impacted the family’s lives. Contrary to expecting findings, the themes did not change and all four reported nurturing and personal growth as key themes.

Building Interaction With An Isolated Population Through Social Media: The Deaf Community, Margaret Bodemann

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of the study is to discover the effects of social media on the deaf community. Ten individuals, aged from 21 to 29, participated in this study. There was no control for race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. An Internet survey was used to gather data. Results suggest that hearing impaired individuals do use social media and that the ways in which is it used varies as a function of degree of hearing loss.

Pushing To The Breaking Point: Do Children With Speech And Language Problems Experience Bullying?, Meagan D. Pestel

Rehabilitation, Human Resources and Communication Disorders Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to examine if students with speech and/or language disorders were more likely to experience bullying than children with normal developmental milestones and speech. There were fifty parents sought to respond to a survey (by using Survey Monkey) about their child’s specific disorder, school size, age, bullying experiences, etc. Twenty-two responses were obtained for research. Results of the research showed that about 50% of parents felt their child had been bullied because of their speech and/or language problem while 50% of parents felt that their child was not bullied or the bullying they experienced was …