Communication Sciences and Disorders Commons^™

Recall Reading Intervention For Children In Preschool And Kindergarten With Moderate To Severe Language Delays, Rebekah Christine Bosley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Dialogic reading is a reading intervention method in which the adult prompts the child with questions and expansions. Previous research has documented that it has been effective in promoting engagement, increasing response rates, developing vocabulary knowledge, and increasing overall answer accuracy in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (Fleury, Miramontez, Hudson, & Schwartz, 2014; Fleury & Schwartz, 2016; Whalon, Martinez, Shannon, Butcher, & Hanline, 2015). The current study investigates whether children with moderate to severe language delays with or without Autism could increase their verbal and nonverbal responses and joint attention through the RECALL (Reading to Engage Children with Autism …

Creating Head Space: Using Spaced Retrieval Practice To Teach Cranial Nerves To Graduate Slp Students, Rachel K. Johnson, Anne M.P. Michalek, Corrin Richels

Communication Disorders & Special Education Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of spaced retrieval practice on graduate speech-language pathology (SLP) student’s long-term retention of cranial nerves. This is a quasi-experimental design study using a repeated measures and between group design where the control group was not randomly assigned. The accuracy and quality of cranial nerve knowledge was measured in graduate SLP students who did not practice spaced retrieval (control), and those who practiced spaced retrieval for three (EG1) or four (EG2) semesters. The quality and accuracy of cranial nerve knowledge improved significantly for both experimental groups compared to the control group. …

Treatment Of Auditory Processing In Noise In Individuals With Mild Aphasia: Pilot Study, Anastasia M. Raymer, Hilary M. Sandberg, Kathryn S. Schwartz, Ginger S. Watson, Stacie I. Ringleb

Communication Disorders & Special Education Faculty Publications

Purpose: Listening in noise challenges listeners with auditory comprehension impairments in aphasia. We examined the effects of Trivia Game, a computerized program with questions spoken in increasing levels of background noise with success in the game.

Methods: We piloted Trivia Game in four individuals with chronic aphasia and mild auditory comprehension impairments. Participants played Trivia Game for 12 twenty-minute sessions. In addition to the Western Aphasia Battery (WAB), we measured outcomes on Quick Speech in Noise (QSIN), a sentence repetition test, administered in auditory (AUD) and auditory+visual (AV) conditions as signal-to-noise ratio varied from 25 to 0 dB.

Results: All …

The Impact Of Dysphagia And Gastrostomy On Quality Of Life In Caregivers Of Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Emily Clare Sither Goggin

Theses and Dissertations--Communication Sciences and Disorders

There is little research studying the relationship between caregiver quality of life and gastrostomy, a palliative intervention recommended to manage dysphagia and malnutrition in patients diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). To facilitate a more comprehensive assessment of treatment effectiveness and to better guide patients and their families, this study investigated the relationship between gastrostomy, caregiver strain, and patient disease-related factors. Patients with bulbar-onset ALS and their caregivers were recruited regardless of their decision to accept or decline future gastrostomy. Caregivers completed the Modified Caregiver Strain Index (MCSI) to assess levels of caregiver strain as an index of quality of …

Informed Hearing Loss Prevention For Theatre Uni, Mallory Park

Honors Program Theses

This study explores the opinions and behaviors related to hearing loss and hearing loss prevention in the demographic of theatre workers at Theatre UNI. Data was collected through a survey dispersed in a department-wide email and by measuring sound level in the scene shop and the costume studio. Survey responses from 11 participants indicated that theatre workers at Theatre UNI may be at risk for noise-induced hearing loss and that further education may aid in prevention of hearing damage.

Examining The Effects Of Pause Times On Auditory Comprehension Utilizing Secondary Data Analysis, Katelyn Vera

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

In this secondary data analysis research study, existing data were analyzed in order to compare behavioral and electrophysiological performance in an individual with aphasia and an individual with no brain damage. The effects of pauses of different durations (i.e., 1, 2, or 3 seconds) inserted within a spoken message were analyzed by examining behavioral and electrophysiological data. Data analyzed included correct response rate, behavioral reaction time, and N400 event related potential (ERP) component amplitude and latency. The following research questions were examined: Is there a difference between the individual with aphasia and the individual with no brain damage for each …

Auditory And Somatosensory Pre-Pulse Inhibition In Mice, Anna Louthan

Dissertations, 2014-2019

Both hearing and somatosensation are sensory responses to vibrations, and here we show a way to investigate such mechanoreceptive psychophysics alone and in combination. Pre-pulse inhibition (PPI) is a well-known, unconditioned, and reflexive technique for measuring sensory thresholds with a wide variety of stimuli and laboratory animals. In this paper, we explore interactions between auditory and somatosensory PPI in normal mice. Fifteen C57/BL6J mice were tested three times each. Ages varied between one and six months. Testing followed published procedures from our lab and others, except the pre-pulses were auditory, somatosensory (vibration of the test chamber), or both. The auditory …

Efficacy And Effectiveness Of Treatment Studies, Manish Rami

Communication Sciences & Disorders Faculty Publications

Professionals in the discipline of communication sciences and disorders primarily assess and treat speech, language, and hearing disorders. Speech–language pathologists and audiologists are the two professions. These professionals constantly search for ways to improve services for people who have speech, language, or hearing disorders. To do so, these professionals conduct research to figure out the best treatment options for their clients. Two types of research methods, efficacy of treatment studies (efficacy studies) and effectiveness of treatment studies (effectiveness studies), help establish the certainty and practicality of new treatment approaches. Evidence from such studies advances the discipline of communication sciences and …

Parents’ Perspectives On Early Intervention For Children With Speech And Language Delays, Alissa Ann Williams

Honors Theses

Parents play an important role in the success of a child’s language development. Further, research on early intervention has documented that parents can successfully learn and implement at-home therapy that results in positive language development of children with developmental disabilities. While the effectiveness of early intervention has been well-documented, there is little research exploring parents’ perspectives on early intervention and their involvement in therapy at home. The purpose of this study is to fill that gap by examining: 1) how informed and involved parents report feeling regarding their child’s therapy, 2) how parents perceive their relationship with their child’s speech-language …

Descriptive Study Of Reading Comprehension Skills In Individuals With Down Syndrome, Katherine Hubbard

Honors Theses

Problem Statement: Previous research has documented that individuals with Down syndrome are able to read and have identified strengths and weakness demonstrated within the reading domain, but research on their reading comprehension abilities is scarce. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze strengths and weaknesses of reading comprehension in individuals with Down syndrome, including within the word identification and language comprehension subdomains. Methods: Reading comprehension, word identification, phonological decoding, language comprehension, vocabulary, and syntax were the dependent variables in this study. Nine standardized assessments/subtests were used to measure these variables in 11 adolescents and adults with Down syndrome. …

The Impact Of Depression On Treatment Outcomes For Patients With Aphasia Who Participate In An Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Program (Icap), Harley B. Kincheloe

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

Abstract

Background: Aphasia is a multi-modal impairment resulting from left-hemisphere stroke. Aphasia is often accompanied by post-stroke depression. Acquiring aphasia and depression is seen to hinder quality of life and rehabilitative outcomes. Traditional stroke therapy often does not monitor or treat psychological difficulties such as depression. Such psychological difficulties hinder progress in recovery and may need to be addressed in therapy to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Aims: In response to the lack of psychological support for persons with aphasia, this literature review aims to explore the impact of depression on functional outcomes. Furthermore, this literature review will explore how …

A Preliminary Investigation Of Velopharyngeal Timing In Normally Developing Preschool Children And Those With Speech Sound Disorders, Taylor Danielle Snodgrass

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

As children acquire speech and language, they also begin to develop speech motor control. A widely accepted theoretical model for explaining speech acquisition and motor modifications necessary for appropriate speech is the Directions Into Velocities of Articulators (DIVA)model.This model posits that individuals plan and produce speech (feedforward system). If errors in speech are identified, they are modified since the DIVA Model includes a feedback system that is sensitive to such perturbations made during speech production (feedback system). This feedback system functions to make positive changes to one’s motor programming for speech. Literature suggests that children gain stability …

Total Laryngectomy Surgery In The United States And Spain: A Tale Of Two Healthcare Systems, Anna Nyszczy

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

For individuals entering the field of health professions, an understanding of variation among global health systems can foster more informed viewpoints when working with multicultural populations. To investigate this relationship between the Spanish and U.S. systems, I analyzed the macro-structure of the healthcare systems in the United States and Spain to better understand plans of treatment, economic burden to patients and quality of life of patients undergoing total laryngectomy surgery in each country. A critical review of scholarly journals and studies relating to the healthcare systems of each country and total laryngectomy surgeries showed a unique picture of each system. …

Voice Therapy Techniques In Combination With The Group Therapy Setting For Individuals With Parkinson’S Disease, Zoë E. Sommers

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This report aims to provide background information related to voicing in Parkinson’s Disease (PD), review the various therapeutic approaches used to benefit individuals diagnosed with PD, and examine how voice impairments affect the lives of individuals with PD. Specifically, therapy techniques focusing on voice and techniques applied in the group therapy setting will be reviewed. PD has a multitude of consequences on an individual’s life, and speech is an area that is greatly affected. This project will highlight some of the interventions that can positively impact the lives of those with Parkinson’s Disease and reflect on how the group therapy …

Macrolinguistic Analysis Of Discourse Production In People With Aphasia, Individuals With Mild Cognitive Impairment, And Survivors Of Traumatic Brain Injury, Stephanie Eaton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the macrolinguistic features of three genres (single picture description, sequential picture description, and story retell) of discourse samples collected from participants with acquired communication disorders (including two speakers with aphasia, two with mild cognitive impairment, and two with traumatic brain injury) and unimpaired controls (n=6). Comparisons were made to investigate group and genre differences. Standardized assessment scores of cognitive and linguistic evaluations were collected and correlated to features of macrolinguistic discourse analysis. Participants with acquired communication disorders performed best on the story retell discourse task compared to single picture description and sequential picture description. Significant measures for …

Partnering With Paraprofessionals: Expanding Preschool Children's Responses Through Dialogic Reading, Juliana Hirn

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Shared interactive reading is an evidence-based practice where professionals can collaborate to promote literacy and language skills in young children. Providing children with developmental disabilities (DD) the opportunity to gain language and preliteracy skills in early intervention is critical for their development as they are at a higher risk for falling behind in academics compared to their age-matched peers. This study evaluated the effectiveness of dialogic reading (DR) for children with DD. DR has been shown to be an effective strategy to teach typically developing preschool-aged children vocabulary, language, and literacy skills, however research in children with DD is limited. …

Interactions Between Contextual And Phonetic Information In Children’S And Adults’ Perception Of Non-Native Speech, Alexis P. Zosel

Honors Theses

Phoneme categorization (i.e., the ability to differentiate between different speech sounds) is not an easy task, as individuals must integrate multiple sources of information, including both acoustic and contextual information. When a talker has a foreign accent, the listener may place more weight on sentential context because of the ambiguity of the acoustic/phonetic information. For example, listeners are more likely to classify a word that is phonetically ambiguous between goat and coat as goat if the sentential context is “The boy milked the ___,” and this is especially the case when listening to a non-native (compared to native) talker (Schertz …

Grammatical Error Types Using A Picture Description Task In English And Spanish With Young Children, Lisa Valles

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Purpose: The current study was part of a larger project examining diagnostic accuracy of various assessment tools for bilingual children living in a border community. The purpose of this project was to examine language sample measures in young children using a picture description task (Eisenberg & Guo, 2013) by answering the following questions:

1. What were the frequent types of errors exhibited by young children in English and Spanish?

2. Were there distinct types of grammatical errors across languages in bilingual children?

Methods: Participants were recruited from a large city on the US/Mexico border. There were 47 participants in the …

Amplification Vs The Natural Ear: A Test On The Effectiveness Of The Natural Ear On Adults Ability To Match Pitch In Song, Celeste Orozco

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Background: Singing is a natural enjoyment of life; however, individuals tend to isolate themselves from this enjoyment due to their inability to match pitch accurately. A new technology, the Natural Ear provides altered auditory feedback to the user while singing. It is hypothesized that this feedback may aid in the userâ??s ability to match pitch.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of the Natural Ear to amplification and no amplification conditions on pitch matching accuracy in song.

Study Design: This study used a complex counterbalance within-subjects design.

Methods: 50 adults from the El Paso Metropolitan …

The Role That Language Proficiency Variables Play On Grammaticality, Morphosyntax, And Semanitc Skills In Bilingual Children, Stephanie Escobar

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Purpose: A number of experiential factors contribute to bilingual development. Factors such as opportunities to hear and use language, age of first exposure, context of learning, social value of a language, education and others have been discussed in other studies. (Bedore et al 2016; Bedore et al 2012). Language questionnaires and self-reports have been used to quantify language variables and current usage of a language. The current study was part of a larger project examining diagnostic accuracy of various assessment tools for Spanish English bilingual children living in a US/Mexico border city (Curtis, Summers, Stubbemann, & Smith, 2017). The purpose …

Perseveration Or Perseverance: Investigating Interpretations Of Echolalia, Self-Stimulatory Behaviors, And Intervention Approaches For Children Who Have Autism, Ashlynn Rae Kufleitner

Senior Independent Study Theses

The broad purpose of this study was to examine professionals’ perceptions of self-stimulatory behaviors in school-age children who have autism and the relation of these behaviors to communication. More specifically, I investigated whether and how speech-language pathologists and applied behavior analysis therapists address these behaviors during therapy by analyzing what factors may influence the selection of intervention methods and how these methods may be used to shape restrictive behaviors into functional communication. Through pursuing this topic, I hoped to increase research concerning the ways that echolalia and self-stimulatory behaviors are perceived by clinicians who work with clients on the autism …

Language Of Disability, Language Of Disorder: An Investigation Of Lived Experiences And Perspectives Of Individuals On The Autism Spectrum With Respect To Communicative Interventions, Rebekah Burkhart

Senior Independent Study Theses

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the lived experiences and first-person perspectives of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with respect to interventions for communicative differences and/or deficits characteristic of autism. This study extends limited research into autistic experiences of interventions in the domain of communication. Furthermore, by extending prior research into neurodiverse values among speech-language pathologists (SLPs), this research contributes to the body of professional literature through exploration of autistic voices as in-group sources of expertise on ASD. The researcher recruited participants online, utilizing mixed methods in the form of quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to …

Considerations For Implementing A Telerehabilitation Treatment Program For Individuals With Chronic Aphasia, Elena Pivek, Jennine Harvey-Northrop Phd Ccc-Slp, Kimberly Adelman Ms Ccc-Slp

Graduate Independent Studies - Communication Sciences and Disorders

The purpose of this research project is to identify the considerations that speech-language pathologists (SLPs) need to review before beginning to use telerehabilitation services to treat patients with chronic aphasia. This research will specifically target therapy treatments for patients with chronic aphasia and the technology adaptations and adjustments necessary for this population. This research project includes a systematic literature review as well as an in-service presentation. As telerehabilitation will continue to develop and grow, practicing SLPs need to have a foundational understanding of what teletherapy is, the patients suitable for services, and the benefits it has the potential to provide. …

A Resource Manual For Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Students On Culturally Relevant Therapy Materials, Anna Yates, Heidi M. Harbers, Ciera M. Lorio

Graduate Independent Studies - Communication Sciences and Disorders

This literature review will discuss the effects of shared book reading interventions on the language outcomes of young children from mainstream and diverse backgrounds. The first three studies will identify parent-child shared book reading interventions with children from the dominant culture. The next three studies will discuss the effects of providing shared book reading interventions to children who are bilingual. The final four studies will examine the use of culturally relevant materials in bilingual shared book reading interventions.

Differentiated Social Skills Curriculum For Individuals With Cognitive Impairments, Morgan Bails, Tricia Larkin, Ann Beck

Graduate Independent Studies - Communication Sciences and Disorders

While communication may seem simple and inherent to many individuals while interacting with family, friends, or co-workers, communication may be more challenging for individuals with cognitive impairments. Whether the difficulty is related to expressive language, receptive language, semantics, pragmatics, etc., any deficits in these areas can create difficulty for individuals while socializing with others in their environment. Social skills intervention for individuals with cognitive impairments is imperative so that these individuals are able to communicate as effectively as possible in numerous settings with various communication partners. Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may have difficulty with social skills in particular …

Strategies To Address Challenging Behaviors In Children With Down Syndrome, Emily Sproat, Ciera M. Lorio, Kimberly Adelman Ms Ccc-Slp

Graduate Independent Studies - Communication Sciences and Disorders

As a future speech-language pathologist, it is imperative to develop knowledge and skills regarding how to provide therapy while managing challenging behaviors. Challenging behaviors could have long and short-term effects on the individual themselves and multiple entities in the child’s environment including caregivers, teachers, peers and other professionals. The presence of challenging behaviors can significantly impact learning as well as impede social interaction with peers. The purpose of this literature review is to inform speech-language pathologists about behavioral aspects of individuals with Down syndrome, with a focus on challenging behavior, and the best application of strategies and interventions for success. …

Case-Based Perspective-Taking As A Mechanism To Improve Metacognition And Higher-Level Thinking In Undergraduate Speech-Language Pathology Students, Lisa Vinney, Jennifer C. Friberg, Mary Smyers

Faculty Publications – Communication Sciences and Disorders

This case study addressed the authors’ efforts to design an 8-week small-group independent study (IS) experience that facilitated undergraduate speech-language pathology students’ (n=19) higher-level thinking and overall metacognitive awareness. We hoped to encourage both in order to improve students’ overall cognitive growth while enhancing their reflection about and knowledge of professional perspectives regarding the assessment and treatment of laryngeal cancer. To take on this challenge, we combined case-based learning (CBL) and perspective-taking (PT) pedagogies across the IS. Students completed the Metacognitive Awareness Inventory (MAI) pre- and post-IS, and written reflections after each of eight weekly discussion meetings. The MAI was …

Visual Feedback In Voice Therapy For Individuals With Parkinson's Disease, Rachel Brooke Convey

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Parkinson ’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects one’s movement. As the disease develops, individuals begin to present with symptoms that include but are not limited to bradykinesia, rigidity, tremors, and hypokinetic dysarthria. These symptoms affect a person’s entire body, including his/her voice. The Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) program for treating individuals with PD is supported by over twenty-five years of research. It is considered a safe, non-invasive method to improve vocal loudness and speech clarity in individuals with PD. However, simply because LSVT is effective in its current state, it does not mean that the …

An Investigation Of Therapeutic Rapport Through Prosody In Brief Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Carolina De Pasquale, Charlie Cullen, Brian Vaughan

Conference Papers

Therapeutic alliance, a concept closely related to rapport, is one of the most important variables in psychotherapy. High degrees of synchrony/coordination in the therapeutic session are considered to contribute to rapport, and have received attention in the psychotherapy literature. Coordinative behaviours are observable in speech, and they manifest in phenomena such as prosodic accommodation, a dynamic phenomenon closely related to conversational success. A preliminary investigation of interpersonal prosodic dynamics in psychotherapy was performed on a database obtained in collaboration with the University of Padua, consisting of 16 recordings making up the entire course of a brief psychodynamic psychotherapy intervention for …

Electroencephalogram (Eeg) For Delineating Objective Measure Of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sampath Jayarathna, Yasith Jayawardana, Mark Jaime, Sashi Thapaliya

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that often impairs a child's normal development of the brain. According to CDC, it is estimated that 1 in 6 children in the US suffer from development disorders, and 1 in 68 children in the US suffer from ASD. This condition has a negative impact on a person's ability to hear, socialize, and communicate. Subjective measures often take more time, resources, and have false positives or false negatives. There is a need for efficient objective measures that can help in diagnosing this disease early as possible with less effort. EEG measures the …