The contribution of cognition to the rehabilitation of language and communication deficits

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (11) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Bijoyaa Mohapatra
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Specific Language Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Assessment ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
World Health ◽  
International Classification Of Functioning ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Language Functions

Background/Aims There is growing evidence to suggest that cognitive processes, in particular working memory and executive functions, are related to language functions such as syntactic processing, reading comprehension, narration and conversational discourse. This article offers rehabilitation considerations for speech-language pathologists to include cognitive assessment and treatment in their clinical practice. The information presented will also be useful in promoting multidisciplinary rehabilitation. Methods A critical review of the literature on the interaction between cognitive processes and linguistic functions in communication disorders was undertaken. Specific key terms including but not limited to executive functioning, working memory, language, assessment, intervention and communication disorders were searched on the Google Scholar database. Relevant literature from the last three decades pertaining to cognitive behavior, assessment and intervention in communication disorders of all age groups and severities is included in the review. Results The review presents analyses of the multidimensional and dynamic interaction of language and cognition in children (specific language impairment, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, stuttering) and adults (traumatic brain injury, stroke, dementia) with communication disorders. The article elaborates on the speech-language pathologist's scope of practice in cognitive assessment and intervention that are consistent with the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework. Conclusions By documenting cognitive-communication behaviour, speech-language pathologists are able to effectively contribute to the clinical assessment and management of cognitive deficits. However, future research efforts are required to develop clinically reliable tests of cognitive functioning in communication disorders and promote evidence-based cognitive treatment practices.

Speech-Language Pathologists' Comfort Level With Use of Term “Stuttering” During Evaluations

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 841-850 ◽  
Author(s):  
Courtney T. Byrd ◽  
Danielle Werle ◽  
Kenneth O. St. Louis
Keyword(s):  
Communication Disorders ◽  
Academic Experiences ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Clinical Experiences ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Comfort Levels ◽  
Parents And Children ◽  
Evaluation Feedback ◽  
Study Participants

Purpose Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) anecdotally report concern that their interactions with a child who stutters, including even the use of the term “stuttering,” might contribute to negative affective, behavioral, and cognitive consequences. This study investigated SLPs' comfort in providing a diagnosis of “stuttering” to children's parents/caregivers, as compared to other commonly diagnosed developmental communication disorders. Method One hundred forty-one school-based SLPs participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two vignettes detailing an evaluation feedback session. Then, participants rated their level of comfort disclosing diagnostic terms to parents/caregivers. Participants provided rationale for their ratings and answered various questions regarding academic and clinical experiences to identify factors that may have influenced ratings. Results SLPs were significantly less likely to feel comfortable using the term “stuttering” compared to other communication disorders. Thematic responses revealed increased experience with a specific speech-language population was related to higher comfort levels with using its diagnostic term. Additionally, knowing a person who stutters predicted greater comfort levels as compared to other clinical and academic experiences. Conclusions SLPs were significantly less comfortable relaying the diagnosis “stuttering” to families compared to other speech-language diagnoses. Given the potential deleterious effects of avoidance of this term for both parents and children who stutter, future research should explore whether increased exposure to persons who stutter of all ages systematically improves comfort level with the use of this term.

scholarly journals Dysphonia in adults with developmental stuttering: A descriptive study

2017 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anél Botha ◽  
Elizbé Ras ◽  
Shabnam Abdoola ◽  
Jeannie Van der Linde
Keyword(s):  
Voice Quality ◽  
Severity Index ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
World Health ◽  
International Classification Of Functioning ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Positive Correlations ◽  
Developmental Stuttering ◽  
Moderate Positive Correlation

Background: Persons with stuttering (PWS) often present with other co-occurring conditions. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) proposes that it is important to understand the full burden of a health condition. A few studies have explored voice problems among PWS, and the characteristics of voices of PWS are relatively unknown. The importance of conducting future research has been emphasised.Objectives: This study aimed to describe the vocal characteristics of PWS.Method: Acoustic and perceptual data were collected during a comprehensive voice assessment. The severity of stuttering was also determined. Correlations between the stuttering severity instrument (SSI) and the acoustic measurements were evaluated to determine the significance. Twenty participants were tested for this study.Result: Only two participants (10%) obtained a positive Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI) score of 1.6 or higher, indicating that no dysphonia was present, while 90% of participants (n = 18) scored lower than 1.6, indicating that those participants presented with dysphonia. Some participants presented with weakness (asthenia) of voice (35%), while 65% presented with a slightly strained voice quality. Moderately positive correlations between breathiness and SSI (r = 0.40, p = 0.08) have been reported. In addition, participants with high SSI scores also scored a poor DSI of below 1.6, as observed by a moderate positive correlation between SSI and DSI (r = 0.41).Conclusion: The majority of PWS presented with dysphonia, evident in the perceptual or acoustic parameters of their voices. These results can be used for further investigation to create awareness and to establish intervention strategies for voice disorders among PWS.

Moving Toward Accurate Assessment of Working Memory in Adults With Neurogenically Based Communication Disorders

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Bijoyaa Mohapatra ◽  
Jacqueline Laures-Gore
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Experimental Testing ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
Test Construction ◽  
Task Demands ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Modality Effects ◽  
Memory Assessment ◽  
Response Modality ◽  
And Task

Purpose This article presents a viewpoint highlighting concerns regarding currently available assessments of working memory in adults with neurogenic communication disorders. Additionally, we provide recommendations for improving working memory assessment in this population. Method This viewpoint includes a critique of clinical and experimental working memory tests relevant to speech-language pathologists. We consider the terminology used to describe memory, as well as discuss language demands and test construction. Results Clinical and experimental testing of working memory in adults with neurogenic communication disorders is challenged due to theoretical, methodological, and practical limitations. The major limitations are characterized as linguistic and task demands, presentation and response modality effects, test administration, and scoring parameters. Taking these limitations into consideration, several modifications to working memory testing and their relevance to neurogenic populations are discussed. Conclusions The recommendations provided in this article can better guide clinicians and researchers to advocate for improved tests of working memory in adults with neurogenic communication disorders. Future research should continue to address these concerns and consider our recommendations.

Spontaneous Self-Distancing Mediates the Association Between Working Memory Capacity and Emotion Regulation Success

2020 ◽  
pp. 216770262095363
Author(s):  
T. H. Stanley Seah ◽  
Lindsey M. Matt ◽  
Karin G. Coifman
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Emotion Regulation ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Mood Induction ◽  
Working Memory Capacity ◽  
Negative Mood ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Memory Capacity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Treatment Target

Self-distancing is associated with adaptive emotion regulation (ER), thereby making it a common treatment target across psychotherapies. However, less is known about cognitive processes that facilitate self-distancing. Working memory capacity (WMC) has been associated with self-distancing and ER, although research has not directly examined WMC and spontaneous self-distancing activity. Here, we tested the association between WMC and self-distancing (indexed by pronoun use) in relation to ER during a negative-mood induction in college students ( N = 209). Results suggested a mediation model: Higher WMC predicted lower I and greater we pronouns (i.e., greater self-distancing), which in turn predicted lower negative affect. Furthermore, higher WMC predicted greater we pronouns, which predicted higher positive affect. No significant mediation was observed for you. These findings enrich current theoretical models describing WMC and self-distancing in ER and suggest important future research to further elucidate the cognitive processes underlying self-distancing with implications for clinical practice.

Speech-Language Pathologists' Use of Hearing Screening for Clients With Aphasia: Challenges, Potential Solutions, and Future Directions

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
JoAnn P. Silkes ◽  
Kaitlin Winterstein
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
Hearing Screening ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Screening Guidelines ◽  
Communication Assessment

Purpose The co-occurrence of aphasia and hearing loss can lead to compounded receptive communication impairment that is significantly worse than in either disorder alone. Therefore, identifying potential hearing loss is a critical part of communication assessment for clients with neurogenic communication disorders, many of whom have aphasia. This clinical focus article explores speech language pathologists' (SLPs') hearing-screening practices with this population, identifies patterns of concern, and presents potential solutions and future research needs. Method SLPs completed an online survey. Data were obtained from 102 SLPs who work with adults with aphasia. Results Most respondents indicated that they do some form of hearing screening, although few do them in a reliable, valid manner. Awareness of American Speech-Language-Hearing Association hearing-screening guidelines was low. The most common reasons given for not conducting screenings included cost and lack of proper equipment and time. Conclusions SLPs are an important resource for identifying potential hearing loss in individuals with aphasia. These data suggest that hearing screenings are being conducted only inconsistently with this population, often using nonstandardized methods. The results demonstrate a need to develop hearing-screening tools that are affordable, easily accessible, and validated for aphasia, and to raise awareness of currently available hearing-screening protocols and tools.

A-142 A Correlation between Reading Fluency and Processing Speed in a Child Population

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 1195-1195
Author(s):  
Lara Rifai ◽  
Nisha Kajani ◽  
Kayla Kotalik ◽  
Ana Lopez ◽  
Lisa Lashley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Reading Fluency ◽  
Oral Reading ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Intellectual Ability ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Intelligence Scale ◽  
Reading Efficiency

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to determine whether a correlation exists between reading fluency in the WJ-IV ACH and processing speed in the WISC-V. Method The data for this study was derived from a large de-identified database. Participants (n = 90) included individuals who completed the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Fifth Edition (WISC-V), which measures intellectual ability, and the Woodcock Johnson IV Tests of Achievement (WJ-IV ACH), which tests for reading, writing, and mathematic achievement. The participants consisted of 36.7% White, 20% Black, 31.1% Hispanic, and 12.2% Other. From the sample, 66.7% were male and 32.3% were female. All the participants were administered the WISC-V and WJ-IV ACH (mean age = 10.53, SD = 2.50; mean education = 4.6, SD = 2.47). Vocabulary was controlled for. Results The results indicated a significant correlation between the WJ-IV ACH Reading Fluency and the WISC-V Processing Speed Index r(87) = 0.326, p = 0.002. Conclusions Previous research has found that deficits in processing speed affect reading efficiency. Cognitive processes are affected even in children with ADHD who are able to decode words accurately. Processing speed, specifically Coding in the WISC-IV, was found to be significantly associated with verbal span and measures of working memory. Moreover, processing speed and working memory have been found to be significant predictors of oral reading fluency (Jacobson et al., 2011). The current findings confirm a correlation between processing speed and reading fluency in updated versions of the forementioned assessments. Future research should investigate the role of comorbid diagnosis found in the functioning of both processing speed and reading fluency.

scholarly journals Understanding subprocesses of working memory through the lens of model-based cognitive neuroscience

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne C. Trutti ◽  
Sam Verschooren ◽  
Birte Forstmann ◽  
Russell James Boag
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Cognitive Neuroscience ◽  
Brain Structures ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Neural Basis ◽  
Model Based ◽  
Removal Processes ◽  
Back Task

Working memory (WM) refers to a set of processes that makes task-relevant information accessible to higher-level cognitive processes. Recent work suggests WM is supported by a variety of information gating, updating, and removal processes, which ensure only task-relevant information occupies WM. Current neurocomputational theory suggests WM gating is accomplished via ‘go/no-go’ signalling in basal ganglia-thalamus-prefrontal cortex pathways, but is less clear about other subprocesses and brain structures known to play a role in WM. We review recent efforts to identify the neural basis of WM subprocesses using the recently developed reference-back task as a benchmark measure of WM subprocesses. Targets for future research using the methods of model-based cognitive neuroscience and novel extensions to the reference-back task are suggested.

Psychosocial Perspectives of Persons With Aphasia

2018 ◽  
pp. 12-26
Author(s):  
Sunil Kumar Ravi ◽  
Anusha Chilakalapudi ◽  
Krupa Saira George ◽  
Divya P. ◽  
Shyamala K. Chengappa
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Psychosocial Problems ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
World Health ◽  
International Classification Of Functioning ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Emotional Factors ◽  
Assessment And Treatment ◽  
Health Organization

Psychosocial problems are one of the major issues seen in persons with aphasia (PWA), but the severity of these psychosocial problems vary depending upon age, socioeconomic status, nature of job pre-morbidly, family support, emotional factors, and quality of life. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) by World Health Organization in the field of communication disorders, specifically for aphasia and other neurogenic communication disorders, provided clear guidelines and information about the importance of assessment and treatment of PWA in terms of body functions and structures, activities and participation, and environmental and personal factors affecting the quality of life in these individuals. The present chapter is primarily focused on studying the psychosocial aspects in PWA, specifically the quality of life and other psychosocial disturbances in the Indian context.

Current Methods of Evaluating Speech-Language Outcomes for Preschoolers With Communication Disorders: A Scoping Review Using the ICF-CY

2017 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 447-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Jane Cunningham ◽  
Karla N. Washington ◽  
Amanda Binns ◽  
Katelyn Rolfe ◽  
Bernadette Robertson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Communication Disorders ◽  
World Health ◽  
International Classification Of Functioning ◽  
Language Outcomes ◽  
Children And Families ◽  
Meaningful Change ◽  
Health Organization

Purpose The purpose of this scoping review was to identify current measures used to evaluate speech-language outcomes for preschoolers with communication disorders within the framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health–Children and Youth Version (ICF-CY; World Health Organization, 2007). Method The review involved 5 phases outlined by Arksey and O'Malley (2005) and further developed by Levac, Colquhoun, and O'Brien (2010): (a) articulating the research question; (b) identifying relevant studies; (c) selecting studies; (d) charting the data; and (e) collating, summarizing, and reporting the results. The ICF-CY was used to frame the measures included. Results A total of 214 relevant peer-reviewed publications were included in the review. Most publications used measures to evaluate changes in outcomes for Activities (65%), followed by measures evaluating changes in Body Functions (20%), and finally measures evaluating changes at the level of Participation (15%). There has been a slight increase in the evaluation of Participation-based outcomes in the past 4 years (2012–2015). Conclusion The review revealed a dearth of measures in the pediatric speech-language literature that address Participation-based outcomes. The authors strongly advocate for the use of Participation-based outcome measures to detect meaningful change in the lives of children and families.

The Communicative Participation Item Bank: Evaluating, and Reevaluating, Its Use across Communication Disorders in Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (03) ◽  
pp. 225-239
Author(s):  
Carolyn Baylor ◽  
Tanya Eadie ◽  
Kathryn Yorkston
Keyword(s):  
Communication Disorders ◽  
Item Bank ◽  
World Health ◽  
International Classification Of Functioning ◽  
Patient Centered ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Participation Restrictions ◽  
Language Pathology ◽  
Communicative Participation

AbstractPatient-reported outcomes (PROs) are essential in patient-centered, evidence-based practice in speech-language pathology. PROs respect individuals who live with communication disorders as key stakeholders providing a critically unique perspective on consequences of communication disorders, and whether interventions bring about meaningful changes. Some PROs focus on specific communication symptoms such as voice or language symptom severity, while others focus on broader constructs such as quality of life. Many PROs target specific diagnostic groups. This article presents the Communicative Participation Item Bank (CPIB), a PRO that measures communicative participation restrictions. The CPIB was based on the concept of participation, or engagement in life situations, as defined in the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. It was designed to be relevant for adults across different communication disorders to facilitate clinical and research activities that may involve either comparing or aggregating data across communication disorders. The CPIB follows current PRO development protocols including systematic guidance from stakeholders through cognitive interviews, and the measurement methods of Item Response Theory that allow precise and adaptive assessment. This article reviews use of the CPIB across different diagnostic groups, and identifies needs for future efforts to expand the relevance of the CPIB further.

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