An investigation of speech and language therapy to improve the communication environment of people with severe learning disabilities who have communication difficulties and behaviours that challenge services

1998 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 203-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Chatterton
Keyword(s):  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Speech And Language ◽  
Language Therapy ◽  
Speech And Language Therapy ◽  
Communication Environment ◽  
Communication Difficulties

Mobile Multimedia for Speech and Language Therapy

2009 ◽  
pp. 3529-3539
Author(s):  
Nina Reeves ◽  
Sally Jo Cunningham ◽  
Laura Jefferies ◽  
Catherine Harris
Keyword(s):  
Multimedia Applications ◽  
Mobile Multimedia ◽  
Speech And Language ◽  
Language Therapy ◽  
Speech And Language Therapy ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Word Finding ◽  
Communication Difficulties ◽  
Assessment And Monitoring ◽  
Spoken Language Skills

Aphasia is a speech disorder usually caused by stroke or head injury (Armstrong; 1993). Related communication difficulties can include word finding; speaking; listening; writing; and using numbers (FAST; 2004). It is most commonly acquired by people at middle age or older; as a result of stroke or other brain injury. Speech and language therapy is “the process of enabling people to communicate to the best of their ability” (RCSLT; 2004). Treatment; advice; and support are provided based on assessment and monitoring activities that conventionally are carried out in face-to-face sessions. This chapter considers issues in providing technology to continue to support aphasic patients between therapy sessions; through multimedia applications for drill-andpractice in vocalizing speech sounds. Existing paper therapy aids are generally designed to be used under the guidance of a therapist. Multimedia applications enable people with aphasia to practise spoken language skills independently between sessions; and mobile multimedia speech and language therapy devices offer still greater promise for blending treatment and support into an aphasic person’s daily life.

scholarly journals 170 Admissions to a Stroke Unit in an Irish Rehabilitation Hospital: A Review from Speech and Language Therapy

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii1-iii16
Author(s):  
Niamh Ní Dhufaigh ◽  
Marie Haughey ◽  
Cliodhna Gillen
Keyword(s):  
Stroke Rehabilitation ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
Speech And Language ◽  
Language Therapy ◽  
Speech And Language Therapy ◽  
Research Education ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Communication Difficulties

Abstract Background Communication disorders and dysphagia are debilitating sequelae associated with stroke. Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) has a pivotal role in stroke rehabilitation, and in improving outcomes. The research into dysphasia, dysphagia, and dysarthria post-stroke is extensive. In comparison, the research into cognitive-communication difficulties post-stroke is still emerging. Cognitive-communication difficulties (CCDs) are communication impairments resulting from underlying cognitive deficits due to neurological impairments1. The aim of this audit was to review SLT referrals in an Irish Stroke Rehabilitation Unit. Methods Single-centre retrospective review of all stroke admissions from January to December 2018. Communication outcomes were assessed using the Functional Independence Measure and Functional Assessment Measure (FIM+FAM)2 a 7-point disability rating scale. Standard Bayesian statistics were employed for analysis. Results SLT received referrals for 66% (n=41) of all stroke admissions (n=62). Mean age was 68 years (SD+/-14), compared with 70 years (SD+/-14) for patients not referred. 65% were female and 35% male. Patients requiring SLT had significantly longer length of stay (p=0.0072). 83% of referrals were for communication, 12% dysphagia, and 5% inappropriate. Of communication referrals, primary diagnoses were as follows: 17.5% dysarthria (n=6), 26.5% dysphasia (n=9) and 56% CCD (n=19). Patients with dysphasia showed greater improvement in FIMFAM scores (x̄=1.3) than those with CCD (x̄=0.9) or dysarthria (x̄=0.7). Patients with CCD comprised the largest cohort who required SLT on discharge (68%). Conclusion CCDs are highly prevalent and represented the largest subtype of communication disorders in this cohort. FIMFAM scores appear useful in assessing CCDs however they display insufficient sensitivity in capturing change within this population. This audit highlights the need for further interdisciplinary research, education and training into cognitive-communication difficulties with post-stroke populations.

scholarly journals 264 Incorporating Neurolinguistics and the Role of Speech and Language Therapy in a Specialist Memory Service

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii17-iii65
Author(s):  
Lisa Sheridan ◽  
Cathy McHale ◽  
Joshi Dookhy ◽  
Tara Coughlan ◽  
Desmond O'Neill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Speech And Language ◽  
Language Therapy ◽  
Unique Role ◽  
Speech And Language Therapy ◽  
Amnestic Mci ◽  
Language Difficulties ◽  
Communication Difficulties ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) is recognised as having a unique role in contributing to the overall neuropsychological assessment of people living with dementia and cognitive impairment. The role of the SLT within a memory clinic has become more widely understood. It is now recognised that speech and language characteristics are reported to be amongst the most reliable behavioural markers for distinguishing amongst different dementia subtypes, and specific analysis of a language production and delivery facilitates timely and more accurate diagnosis. Methods Patients with a language predominant presentation or those with subjective complaints of speech/language difficulties were referred for SLT assessment through the tertiary memory assessment and support service from January 2018 – March 2019. Assessment of speech and language skills, and overall cognitive communications skills were reviewed, and this information was used to aid with differential diagnosis and contribute to the person’s overall cognitive profile. The SLT attends weekly memory service interdisciplinary consensus diagnosis conference. Data was collected on these patients to observe the profiles of those patients referred to SLT. Results 22 patients were seen for full SLT assessment during this period, 13 women, 9 men; mean age 69.5 (range 48- 80). Diagnoses include: AD (32%), FTD behavioural variant (14%), Primary Progressive Aphasia (14%), Non-amnestic MCI (18%), Amnestic MCI (14%), Other neurological disorder (8%). 68% of these patients required ongoing SLT intervention for their cognitive communication difficulties following diagnosis. Conclusion SLTs fulfil an integral role in supporting both the diagnostic and post-diagnostic care pathways of people living with dementia and cognitive impairment attending memory services. SLTs have a unique role and skillset in identifying the specific nature of language difficulties for a person with dementia or cognitive impairment and in reducing the impact of the communication difficulties for the person and for their family members.

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