Communication Sciences and Disorders Commons^™

Developing Active Listening In Csd Undergraduates: A Pilot Comparison Of Computer-Based Simulations And Immersive Virtual Reality, David M. Rehfeld, Payton Demeyer, Abby Kugler, Kristin Pelczarski

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Simulated learning experiences (SLEs) are becoming increasingly popular in communication sciences and disorders (CSD) training programs. This pilot study examines the relative effectiveness of delivering a SLE via standard computer or using virtual reality headsets for a more immersive learning experience. Seventy undergraduate CSD students were randomly assigned to complete the same SLE using one of these two modes of delivery to explore the technology’s effect on learning outcomes and self-confidence. Although no statistically significant difference in outcomes was observed, medium effects of intervention were observed on all outcomes, suggesting further is research is needed into the impact different technologies …

Meta-Synthesis Of Outcomes Of Simulated Learning Among Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Students, Haley M. Coleman, Kelly S. Hall, Debra A. Forman, Daniella G. Varela

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Simulated learning is firmly established in health-related disciplines with a growing presence in the field of speech-language pathology. However, research on its efficacy and outcomes in this field is still emerging. A synthesis of simulated learning practices and associated student learning outcomes within the field of speech-language pathology is needed. As such, this study aims to explore perceived student learning experiences, perspectives, and the associated impact of simulated learning in speech-language pathology education. Guided by the research question of student attitudes and subjective outcomes that shape the simulated experience, the study employs criterion-based, purposeful sampling from empirical studies in peer-reviewed …

Csd Students Of Color Navigating The Graduate School Admissions Process: A Gauntlet, Marcella Cardoza Mccollum

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Regardless of entry point, nearly all potential speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the United States (US) share the experience of navigating the arduous application process for graduate school. For students of color, especially first-generation students, this application process can serve to cause them to question whether they belong in the field. This may be one of the key factors that manifests itself in the lack of diversity within the profession. This study followed nine undergraduate Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) students across nine months from application cycle through post-baccalaureate life as they shared their experiences about deciding whether to apply for …

Speech And Language Assessment Practices For Bilingual Children In The School Setting: Where Do We Go From Here?, Seijra Toogood, Raul Prezas

Journal of Human Services: Training, Research, and Practice

Abstract

The field of speech-language pathology has demonstrated growth in bilingual assessment and evaluations. However, many questions remain regarding formal and informal assessment practices, intervention recommendations, and cultural competency or responsiveness. Sixty-one SLPs in Virginia completed a survey on demographics, bilingual assessment practices, cultural competence, and language development of ELL students. Seven SLPs who work with bilingual and/or ELL students were also interviewed to ascertain bilingual assessment practices, cultural competence, and language development knowledge. Areas of concern included assessment of bilingual students, lack of developmental norms and standardized assessment tools in languages other than English, and lack of knowledge of …

Introducing Immersion Techniques To Shift Augmentative And Alternative Communication Uses: A Brief Report, Lisa Taylor Cook, Deann O'Lenick

Journal of Human Services: Training, Research, and Practice

Caregivers and interventionists all need the same information about how to support language development when language is being developed through augmentative communication systems. Through learning about the importance of immersion practices, caregivers and interventionalists were empowered to support and advocate for various types of verbal expressions and speech that occurred through speech generating devices.

A Qualitative Study Of The Role Of Hearing Aid Use And Physical Fit Accessories In A Sample Of Older Adults, Mohamed Rahme, Paula Folkeard, Susan Scollie

Communication Sciences and Disorders Publications

Objective: The purpose of the study was to qualitatively describe the experiences of hearing aid andphysical fit accessories use during physical activity and exercise participation in a sample of older adultswith hearing loss.

Design: A prospective qualitative research design was employed with the use of focus groups with older adult participants who were fitted with hearing aids and physical fit accessories.

Study Sample: Twelve older adults with hearing loss (six experienced and six new hearing aid users, age range 64 – 88 years) were recruited in this study.

Results: The barriers to hearing at physical activity and exercise environments were …

Case Report: Adult Patient With Acquired Apraxia Of Speech Secondary To A Stroke In Broca's Area, Richard Zraick

UCF Created OER Artifacts

This open educational resource (OER) is a case report about an adult patient with acquired apraxia of speech secondary to stroke in Broca's area. This case report was originally developed for SPA 6236: Motor Speech Disorders, School of Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Central Florida, by Richard Zraick, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, F-ASHA. The content was based on output from ChatGPT and generated with the prompt: “Create a fictional case report for an adult patient with acquired apraxia of speech secondary to cerebrovascular accident in Broca’s area.” Others are free to reuse this OER to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon …

The Stages Of Change Model As Applied To Cluttering: Next Steps, Kathleen Scaler Scott, Samantha Delmar, Sarah Hardy, Emma Schaedler, Erica Scheinberg, Kateri Grice, Brenna Field, Margaret Koester, Emma Maley, Kayla Montemarano, Brooke Price

Student Research Poster Presentations 2025

This study is based upon the Transtheoretical/Stages of Change model. The model has been studied in adults with a variety of health behaviors such as addiction (Prochaska, 1999; Prochaska &DiClemente, 1984) and has been applied to current stuttering treatment (Zebrowski et al., 2021) to assess readiness for change. The Stages of Change model consists of five stages: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. Whenever considering making a change, as one would do as part of speech therapy, clients may move in and out of these stages. Therefore, it is important to understand what stage a client is in in order …

Experiences Of Those With "Other" Disfluencies, Kathleen Scaler Scott, Emma Schaedler, Erica Scheinberg, Sarah Hardy, Margaret Koester, Brenna Field, Emma Maley, Kayla Montemarano, Kateri Grice

Student Research Poster Presentations 2025

This ethnographic study collected and analyzed interviews of 8 children with “other” fluency disorders: cluttering, atypical disfluency, excessive non-stuttering like disfluency. Each school-age child participated in a semi-structured interview focusing on grand and mini tour questions. The participants were asked to speak about their perspective and experience with communication in general. Preliminary results of this study revealed the following themes: friendships are hard; high-level communication is a goal; everyone doesn’t ‘get’ me when I talk. Clinical and research implications of findings will be discussed.

Exploring The Impact Of Yoga On Self-Perception In People With Aphasia, Meta Riley Hurm

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Instances of complex diagnoses and acquired language loss, such as aphasia, are often accompanied by a variety of deficits in quality of life. Most notably, individuals’ self-perceptions can be altered by these diagnoses, as new life complications bring about the necessity for major adjustments. This study utilized interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to analyze the effects of participation in an adapted yoga program on self-perception, specifically evoking change in identity, emotional health, sense of community, and self-acceptance. Through interviews with six individuals with a primary aphasia diagnosis, findings revealed three major superordinate themes of self-perception: identity, self-care, and attunement. Participants' answers …

Practice Patterns In Pediatric And Adult Dysphagia: Implications For Clinical Training, Jane Grothaus, Kaitlyn Hill, Marlee Nebesniak, Anastasia Raymer

Speech-Language Pathology Faculty Publications

Objective: Most speech language pathologists (SLPs) receive training to work with patients with swallowing disorders in graduate school, focusing primarily on adult dysphagia. Although SLPs share common foundational knowledge and skills for adult and pediatric dysphagia populations, there are considerable differences in these two specialized areas of practice. We aimed to query SLPs’ practice patterns for dysphagia assessment and management for adults and pediatric populations to consider differences and guide training efforts.

Methods: We distributed two comprehensive anonymous surveys to explore practice patterns of SLPs who provide assessment and management of dysphagia for adult or pediatric populations. The 118 respondents, …

An Observational Study Of Discourse Tasks And Running Speech Sampling In The Assessment Of Paediatric Voice Quality, Victoria Reynolds, Kristin Scavo-Smith, Kate Oteng-Bediako, Sophie Scanlon

Speech-Language Pathology Faculty Publications

Introduction

Running speech sampling is an essential component of a paediatric voice evaluation, in that it should provide the examiner with a representative vocal sample of the child's everyday voice use outside of the clinic setting. Current speech sampling practices, consisting of reading tasks, informal conversation sampling and the voice question ('Tell me about your voice problem'), may not elicit consistent samples or samples of sufficient length to allow the examiner to make a reliable and valid judgement about vocal quality. The aim of this study is to compare the voice quality of children produced in response to existing running …

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

Open Educational Resources

No abstract provided.

Clinicians Perspective On The Implementation Of Person-Centered Care In Persons With Aphasia, Carmen S. Alderman

Theses and Dissertations--Communication Sciences and Disorders

This paper examines speech-language pathologist perspective on implementing person-centered care for persons with aphasia. Person-centered care is based on the social model, which emphasizes the importance of including the client. The survey addressed clinicians’ use of person-centered care related to collaborative goal setting and treatment planning, as well as facilitators and barriers to implementing person-centered care for individuals with aphasia based on the view of practicing clinicians across a variety of settings. The results indicated most speech-language pathologists have heard of person-centered care, understand the importance of involving clients in goal setting, ask clients about their preferences when setting goals, …

Multiple Timescales Of Context Influence Perceptual Sensitivity To Common Pairings Of Musical Pitch And Timbre, Christian E. Stilp, Isabel Adames, Anya E. Shorey

Speech Pathology and Audiology Faculty Research and Publications

Previous studies have established that musical pitch and timbre (specifically, spectral shape) perceptually covary: lower pitches are associated with darker timbres (less higher-frequency energy) and higher pitches are associated with brighter timbres (more higher-frequency energy). In four experiments, perceptual sensitivity to this relationship was assessed in pitch labeling tasks when instrument timbre varied in ways that respected or violated this pattern (Consistent or Reversed trials). Performance was influenced by context at multiple timescales: block-level (stimulus type), experimental session-level (block order or configuration), and longer-term experience (musical training background). Across experiments, participants performed near ceiling accuracy for Consistent stimuli, but were …

Faculty And Student Perspectives On Course Collaborations Within The Communication Sciences And Disorders Discipline, Shanna R. Morrison

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Collaborative course (re)design (CCRD) allows faculty and students to redesign a course together that the faculty teaches and the student has previously taken. This process amplifies student voices and helps faculty better understand students’ perspectives. However, barriers such as faculty’s feelings of ownership, students’ hesitations to share feedback, and logistical challenges often discourage participation. This qualitative study explores the perspectives of students and faculty in the communication sciences and disorders discipline following their engagement in CCRD. Findings include shifts in participants’ teaching and learning perspectives, insight into partnership dynamics, logistical challenges of CCRD, and ideas for future CCRD implementation. This …

Revealing Spatiotemporal Neural Activation Patterns In Electrocorticography Recordings Of Human Speech Production By Mutual Information, Julio Kovacs, Dean Krusienski, Minu Maninder, Willy Wriggers

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Background

Spatiotemporal mapping of neural activity during continuous speech production has been traditionally approached using correlation coefficient (CC) analysis between cortical signals and speech recordings. A prior study employed this approach using electrocorticography (ECoG) data from participants who underwent invasive intracranial monitoring for epilepsy. However, CC cannot detect nonlinear relationships and is dominated by the correspondence between periods of silence and of non-silence.

New Method

We introduce the mutual information (MI) measure, which can capture both linear and nonlinear dependencies. We validated CC and MI on the sub-second spatiotemporal brain activity recorded during continuous speech tasks. To refine the results, …

Fundamental And Formant Frequencies Of Vowels In Ventriloquial And Normal Speech, Corrie S. Wiesner, Manish Rami

Communication Sciences & Disorders Faculty Publications

This study explored the fundamental frequency and the first and second formant frequencies of vowels produced in ventriloquial and normal speech. It tested whether these frequencies differ by speech type and vowels. Voice recordings were collected from a participant who produced words containing ten target English vowels in normal and ventriloquial speech. Digitized recordings were analyzed to determine formant frequencies. A multivariate analysis detected statistically significant differences in the three frequency measures across speech type. Speech type by frequency interaction was examined via overlapping vowel quadrilateral plots that explored differences in formants of vowels across speech type and the vowel …

Examining The Relationship Between Cognitive Auditory Processing And Sex Hormones, Trey A. Cline

Theses and Dissertations--Gerontology

Estrogen and progesterone have demonstrated modulatory effects on central auditory nervous system (CANS) function. Post-menopausal females often present to audiology clinics with complaints of difficulty hearing in background noise. However, these individuals often have normal peripheral hearing sensitivity on standard audiometry. Previous studies using the auditory brainstem response (ABR) in post-menopausal females demonstrated longer response latencies compared to their premenopausal counterparts, suggesting that sound does not transmit through the CANS as efficiently. However, to date, the available literature focused on sex hormones and the CANS relies mainly on objective measures, predominantly the ABR. The ABR reflects physiologic function through the …

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. …

Elementary School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists' Perspectives On The Management Of Pediatric Feeding And Swallowing Disorders, Kelsi L. Szakovits

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) frequently serve autistic students in the school setting. Research reveals a correlation between autism, sensory processing, and pediatric feeding disorder (PFD). As a result, autistic students may have compromised nutritional health and safety, which stands to impact their ability to access the curriculum. PFD is under the scope of the school-based speech-language pathologist’s practice. However, data has shown a perceived lack of confidence and a limited number of support and resources in the educational setting for SLPs to carry out interventions. This qualitative study will seek to understand the perspectives of elementary school-based SLPs regarding the implementation …

Practicing Clinicians' Views Of The Life Participation Approach To Aphasia Therapy, Stephanie H. Mays

Theses and Dissertations--Communication Sciences and Disorders

The Life Participation Approach to Aphasia therapy (LPAA) aligns with a person-centered, functional approach to speech therapy. Past research has demonstrated that persons with aphasia (PWA) benefit from this approach and prefer it when compared to the traditional medical model to therapy. However, a disconnect between PWA preferences and SLP treatment approaches in therapy persists. This study aims to identify both barriers and facilitators that SLPs face when implementing LPAA. Five CCC-SLPs practicing in the state of KY with experience working with PWA were recruited as participants. Participants were placed into two focus groups, with each group meeting for 2-3 …

Critical Appraisal Of Language Assessment Tasks For African American Children, Tamara Diana Jacobs

Selected Full-Text Master Theses 2021-

Language assessment is a fundamental aspect of the speech-language therapist's role. However, a critical examination of standardized assessments reveals their historical association with constructing disability and exerting control over individuals with a disability, often rooted in the medical model of disability (Nair et al., 2023). As a result, there has been a growing interest in developing alternative methods for evaluating language and speech, particularly in diverse populations (Hyter, 2022). This interest has extended to the study of assessment methods within urban communities, including African American English (AAE) speakers.

Language assessment is a fundamental aspect of the speech-language therapist's role. However, …

Exploring Physicians/Physician Assistants Perspectives On The Challenges And Communication Approaches When Communicating With People With Aphasia, Alexandra M. Rogers

SURF Posters 2025

Aphasia is an acquired language disorder that results from damage to the language areas of the brain, typically located within the left hemisphere. Individuals with aphasia often experience significant challenges while communicating with other individuals, including physicians and healthcare professionals. These barriers can ultimately lead to negative impacts on the quality of care, patient experiences, and overall health outcomes. The lack of consistent use of communication strategies as well as a general misunderstanding of aphasia by medical staff, further contributes to communication breakdowns. As a result, medical assessments can be misinterpreted, treatments may be delayed, and patients may feel less …

Promoting Parent-Child Connectedness: Insights From A Parent Education Training., Bisola E. Duyile, Robyn Becker, Kate Papas, Shanta K. Pamphile

Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

Purpose: This study explores the interrelationship of speech, language, and literacy development, parentchild connectedness, and children’s mental health when viewed as social determinants of health, specifically among families of children with developmental disabilities. Through interprofessional collaboration, researchers aim to identify effective strategies that parents can use to enhance their children’s communication skills and emotional well-being.

Methods: A mixed methods design was employed, involving a post-workshop survey completed by five mothers. The quantitative component included Likert scale items to measure satisfaction with social support. We also evaluated satisfaction with the workshop. The qualitative component comprised openended questions about newly learned tools …

Autistic Young Adults' Experiences And Recommendations For Strength Training, Ashlyn Barry, Justin A. Haegele, Daniel Schaefer, Kristen A. Pickett, Luis Columna

Human Movement Studies & Special Education Faculty Publications

Strength training can be a beneficial form of physical activity (PA), but little research has examined how autistic individuals experience it or what makes programs accessible and supportive. Therefore, the purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to explore autistic young adults’ experiences with strength training, and (2) examine their recommendations for designing programs that meet their needs. Thirteen autistic young adults (ages 22–25) participated in semi-structured interviews about their strength training experiences and preferences for program design. A qualitative descriptive approach with a constructivist lens guided reflexive analysis. Participants described key factors that influenced their participation in strength training, …

Clear Speech Intervention In Parkinson’S Disease: A Single Case Design Examining Acoustic And Aerodynamic Outcomes Following A Structured Protocol, Zachariah Jordan Backus

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

ABSTRACT

Clear Speech Intervention in Parkinson’s Disease: A Single Case Design Examining Acoustic and Aerodynamic Outcomes Following a Structured Protocol

Zachariah Backus

Purpose:

Parkinson Disease (PD) is a neuro-progressive movement disorder that impacts all movement of the body, including speech production. Ninety percent of individuals living with PD will experience hypokinetic dysarthria, a motor speech disorder, during the progression of their disease. Clear speech instruction is a treatment strategy used to increase motor speech outcomes in those with PD. Studies have shown positive changes in articulation, prosody, voice, and listener perception measures in those with PD after clear speech instruction …

The Relationship Between Motor Abilities And Cultural Factors In Autistic Children, Lindsey Marie Anderson

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Autism and motor abilities have been found to be closely related. Culture affects motor development as well as the various diagnostic criteria for an autism diagnosis, yet it is rarely considered in research and in diagnostics. This study aimed to explore the relationship between cultural factors, the social characteristics of autism, and motor abilities in autistic and non-autistic children by utilizing a demographic survey, the SRS-2, and the MABC-2 Balance subtest. The information and scores were analyzed to determine if the relationship between autism characteristics still stands when cultural factors are considered, and to determine which cultural factors mediate the …

An Aphasia Friendly Questionnaire For Post-Stroke Fatigue, Abigail Best

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

A stroke is when there is lack of blood flow to part of the brain. It can cause permanent damage, such as paralysis, sensory changes, difficulty with speech and language (such as aphasia), and decreased memory. Within this project, we will discuss individuals post-stroke who are diagnosed with aphasia, which is the inability to understand and express language. Currently, there are minimal resources available to help a healthcare worker define and assess the fatigue level of a patient post-stroke who is also diagnosed with aphasia. The first objective of this research is to discuss stroke and aphasia. The second objective …

Isapa 2025: Program Guide, Catherine Carty, Gerard Masdeu Yelamos

Publications

ISAPA 2025 is a landmark international event that brings together global leaders, researchers, practitioners, and advocates in Adapted Physical Activity to ignite systemic change under the unifying theme “Shifting the Dial: From Awareness to Transformation.” Hosted in Kerry, Ireland, under the patronage of UNESCO, the symposium integrates five major events into one dynamic platform.

The program reflects IFAPA’s mission to advance inclusion, research, professional excellence, and international cooperation, while also contributing meaningfully to the implementation of global frameworks such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris 2024 Call …