Talking Across Cultures in Early Intervention: Finding Common Ground to Meet Children's Communication Needs

Author(s):  
Elizabeth D. Peña ◽  
Christine Fiestas

Abstract In this paper, we explore cultural values and expectations that might vary among different groups. Using the collectivist-individualist framework, we discuss differences in beliefs about the caregiver role in teaching and interacting with young children. Differences in these beliefs can lead to dissatisfaction with services on the part of caregivers and with frustration in service delivery on the part of service providers. We propose that variation in caregiver and service provider perspectives arise from cultural values, some of which are instilled through our own training as speech-language pathologists. Understanding where these differences in cultural orientation originate can help to bridge these differences. These can lead to positive adaptations in the ways that speech-language pathology services are provided within an early intervention setting that will contribute to effective intervention.

1995 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 31-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne E. Roberts ◽  
Elizabeth Crais ◽  
Thomas Layton ◽  
Linda Watson ◽  
Debbie Reinhartsen

This article describes an early intervention program designed for speech-language pathologists enrolled in a master's-level program. The program provided students with courses and clinical experiences that prepared them to work with birth to 5-year-old children and their families in a family-centered, interdisciplinary, and ecologically valid manner. The effectiveness of the program was documented by pre- and post-training measures and supported the feasibility of instituting an early childhood specialization within a traditional graduate program in speech-language pathology.


2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (04) ◽  
pp. 313-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelsey Mandak ◽  
Krista Wilkinson ◽  
Tara O'Neill

AbstractFamilies are often the most significant communication partners for children who require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Because family-centered approaches are recommended practice in speech-language pathology, a primary role for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) serving children who require AAC is to support families in integrating communication into highly valued, existing family activities. Family leisure activities can provide a naturally supportive context for AAC, because they provide multiple opportunities for children to interact and practice using AAC with natural communication partners. This article aims to guide SLPs in utilizing family leisure as a context for AAC intervention. We describe the benefits and constraints of engaging in leisure for families with children with disabilities. We define family leisure, which includes two distinct types of leisure activities: core and balance. Finally, we provide a case example of a family that highlights the integration of AAC into both types of leisure activities.


Author(s):  
Natalie K Bradford ◽  
Liam J Caffery ◽  
Monica Taylor ◽  
Judith Meiklejohn ◽  
Anthony Smith C C Smith ◽  
...  

Introduction: Access to speech-language pathology services for children in rural and remote communities is often limited. Telehealth is increasingly used to provide these services to schools, demonstrating high satisfaction with both service providers and recipients, but the requirements for successful program implementation are as yet unclear. We aimed to explore the implementation requirements for a telehealth speech-language pathology service for children from the perspective of a rural school. Methods: A qualitative approach, supplemented by program activity data, was used to understand the experiences and perceptions of the benefits, limitations, enablers and barriers of a telehealth speech-language pathology program delivered to a school servicing approximately 400 children in a small rural town in the state of Queensland, Australia. Thematic analysis was conducted of transcripts of individual semi-structured interviews with nine school teaching staff and field notes of informal discussions regarding 85 speech-language pathology telehealth sessions (n = 9 children) during program establishment and implementation. Results: The speech-language pathology telehealth service was acceptable to teaching staff at the rural school, who cited improved access, the suitability of the technology for child engagement, and perceived effectiveness. Implementation issues were highlighted as critical to program success and scalability, particularly staff workload, technological issues, communication processes, and sustainability. Conclusion: School-based speech-language pathology services delivered via telehealth were perceived as a suitable way of increasing access for children by rural school staff. Future implementations of telehealth speech-language pathology programs should prospectively consider workload implications and develop strategies to communicate with and involve school staff.      


Author(s):  
Angela Ciccia ◽  
Jennifer P. Lundine ◽  
Katy H. O'Brien ◽  
Jessica Salley ◽  
Sarah Krusen ◽  
...  

Purpose In early 2020, the second International Cognitive-Communication Disorders Conference was held to provide an opportunity for researchers and clinician-scientists to discuss the most recent advances and pressing issues in the care of individuals with cognitive-communication disorders (CCDs). Presentations and discussions resulted in the identification of four areas in need of attention: (a) terminology, (b) training, (c) interdisciplinary teams, and (d) pediatrics. We will explore the four themes identified at ICCDC, specifically expanding on how terminology, training, and teams intersect in pediatric traumatic brain injury care. Additionally, we will provide two case studies to highlight the integration of these themes and suggest ways to advance clinical service provision across medical and educational settings for persons with CCDs through the lens of pediatrics. Conclusion While speech-language pathology has come a long way since the original discussion of CCD over 30 years ago, clinicians and researchers have ongoing opportunities to help advance the ways in which speech-language pathologists offer support to persons, specifically children, with CCDs and to continue to advance the profession.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Valerie E. Boyer

A disconnect is present between philosophical desire to actively involve caregivers in early intervention (EI) and implementation by EI providers. Preservice education may shape beliefs and build knowledge and skills supporting active participation of caregivers. Two graduate clinicians in speech-language pathology completed a practicum with a two-year-old child, Sam, and his family with half of the sessions including active participation by the caregivers. Analysis of progress notes, individual reflections, and interview transcript yielded clinicians reporting beliefs in collaboration with caregivers and building relationships with caregivers as key to involving caregivers. The clinicians demonstrated knowledge regarding intervention techniques with differences in progress notes based on the presence of the caregiver in sessions. This practicum opportunity promoted development of beliefs, knowledge, and skills about actively involving caregivers in early intervention.


1998 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 85-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa C. Bruce ◽  
Nancy DiVenere ◽  
Cathy Bergeron

As service providers, speech-language pathologists are in the midst of a transition from the “expert” model of intervention to forming partnerships with families and serving as resources. Although the shift from client-centered to family-centered service delivery is underway, little information has been made available on steps being taken at the pre-service training level to accomplish this change and the success of such efforts. This paper describes an innovative approach to preparing speech-language pathology students to be family centered in their professional interactions and service delivery. Over a 4-year period, 41 students embarking on their first semester of clinical training were paired with families of children with special needs for a family visit of 2 to 4 hours in length. The components of the training included pre-visit classroom exercises focused on personal values clarification and language sensitivity, visit orientation for the students and families, a family visit, journal writing by students about the visit experience, and post-visit class discussion of the visit experiences and learning outcomes. Pre- and post-measurement of students’ attitudes regarding a family’s role in intervention reflected a statistically significant change in students’ responses to questionnaire items. The students’ responses indicated an increase in family-centered attitudes and demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach in shaping those attitudes.


2011 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 320-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane Paul ◽  
Froma P. Roth

Purpose This article describes guiding principles in early intervention (EI) and demonstrates how speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can apply these principles to best serve infants and toddlers with communication and related problems and their families. Method Four principles guide the implementation of speech-language pathology services. EI services are services that are (a) family centered and culturally and linguistically responsive; (b) developmentally supportive, promoting children’s participation in their natural environments; (c) comprehensive, coordinated, and team based; and (d) based on the highest quality evidence available. Actual clinical scenarios are presented to illustrate each principle. Results The four principles provide a framework for the wide range of roles and responsibilities assumed by SLPs in EI: (a) screening/evaluation/assessment, (b) goal setting and intervention, (c) consultation with and education for team members, (d) service coordination, (e) transition planning, and (f) advocacy. Conclusion It is critical that families of infants and toddlers who are at risk for, or who have been diagnosed with, communication disorders receive all necessary services and supports. EI services should be tailored to the individual and the changing needs, preferences, and priorities of each family. The earlier services are provided, the more likely is the child’s chance to develop effective communication.


1989 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 296-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann Johnson Glaser ◽  
Carole Donnelly

The clinical dimensions of the supervisory process have at times been neglected. In this article, we explain the various stages of Goldhammer's clinical supervision model and then describe specific procedures for supervisors in the public schools to use with student teachers. This easily applied methodology lends clarity to the task and helps the student assimilate concrete data which may have previously been relegated to subjective impressions of the supervisor.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document