A Comprehensive Review of the 2016 ASHA Code of Ethics

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) initially implemented a Code of Ethics in 1952, and has periodically revisited the content of the document with revisions to reflect the expanding scope of practice within speech-language pathology and audiology and to clarify certain concepts. Code revision is a cyclical mandated task of the ASHA Board of Ethics conducted to assure accuracy, currency, and completeness of this most important document (Solomon-Rice & O’Rourke, 2016). The current version of the Code of Ethics (2016) was modified from the previous version (2010r), with an updated preamble, definitions of related vocabulary, and re-organized language in the principles. The new code, which supports collaboration, competence, and responsibility, serves as the ethical underpinning for students and clinical fellows, practicing clinicians, researchers, supervisors, and administrators. It is incumbent on ASHA members to encode this information, and incorporate ethical practices across the span of their careers. The current article will summarize the changes between the 2010r and 2016 versions of the ASHA Code of Ethics for practicing speech-language pathologists and audiologists and students studying in these fields. Managers may benefit from this tutorial in order to be familiar with the standards to which their speech-language pathologists and audiologists must abide. Official clarification regarding the ASHA Code of Ethics should be directed to the ASHA Director of Ethics at [email protected]

Differentiating Language Difference and Language Disorder: Information for Teachers Working with English Language Learners in the Schools

In an era of growing numbers of linguistically and culturally diverse students in the U.S. schools, classroom teachers are in the position of taking the initial role in identifying and assessing bilingual students\u27 language proficiency and development. Oftentimes, teachers and other school personnel face challenges related to adequately meeting the language needs of children who are English Language Learners (ELLs). In many cases, children are often over- or under-identified for language-related support services and assessments. School teachers may benefit from this overview of tips and suggestions related to making important decisions related to the language needs of bilingual children. A personal account as well as questions and discussions related to language difference and language disorder are offered, including suggestions for teachers who work with ELLs

Selective Stimulability in the Speech and Language Assessment of Bilingual Children with Selective Mutism

English Language Learners (ELLs) with Selective Mutism (SM) mirror their typically developing, bilingual peers who are going through the silent period. The silent period is a normal phenomenon characterized by decreased expressive language and a general lack of communication that is temporary. Understanding second language acquisition and differentiating SM from the silent period, however, is critical to reduce over- and under-identification of children for services. Whereas bilingual children with SM do not speak in either of their languages, bilingual children in the silent period are only silent in their second language. Although limited information exists regarding assessment and treatment for SM in ELLs, general assessment and intervention strategies are available. The notion of selective stimulability (how stimulable a child with SM is for expressive communication) may be used in assessment in order to encourage children with SM to communicate expressively when using speech and language protocols and for determining prognosis for treatment. Guidelines for differential diagnosis of SM and the silent period are offered in this paper, including a case example of the use of selective stimulability in a speech-language assessment of a Spanish-speaking child. Moreover, additional information related to the assessment process and implications for intervention are provided

What Do You Meme? Meme Humor Comprehension in Adolescents with Language Disorder or Hearing Loss

Easy access to the internet allows adolescents to share humor, such as memes, via social media. This quasi-experimental study investigated whether there was a difference in the number of memes comprehended on an assessment test among adolescents who were typically developing, adolescents who were deaf or hard of hearing, and adolescents with language disorders. It also sought to determine if the meme’s picture, whether related to the text or unrelated, contributed to adolescents’ comprehension. Participants were given a short reading screening and a multiple-choice test of meme comprehension. Adolescents who were typically developing out-performed adolescents who were deaf or hard of hearing or who had language disorders. Supporting pictures did not appear to aid in meme comprehension. Findings from this study suggest the need for professionals to include direct instruction of humor when working with adolescents who are deaf or hard of hearing or who have language disorders

Considerations For Implementing a Telerehabilitation Treatment Program For Individuals With Chronic Aphasia

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. This research project serves to provide SLPs with the foundational information necessary when beginning to learn about telerehabilitation services

VOCAL HEALTH PRESERVATION FOR TEACHERS OF MUSIC: A LITERATURE REVIEW

This literature review explores research findings regarding risk factors of voice disorders for teachers of music. It summarizes current research regarding personal, environmental, and occupational practices teachers of music can implement to help preserve their voices. This document also reviews literature findings regarding when, where, and how music teachers can seek assistance for voice symptoms

Effective Treatments for Auditory Sensitivities in Autism

Hypersensitivity to sound is a frequent symptom of autism spectrum disorders and can be difficult to manage.  Because an individual with sound hypersensitivity may display disruptive behaviors for significant periods of time in response to the sound, the condition demands treatment.  Behavioral and desensitization therapies, which employ some of the techniques of cognitive behavioral therapy, appear to be promising, efficient, and effective types of treatment for these symptoms. 

Functional Speech and Language Techniques for All Types of Learners Across The Lifespan

Communication is behavior and behavior is communication. We learn how to learn and interact through communication. This workshop will focus on how the environment can foster an individual’s attention and emotional regulation, thus facilitating a person’s ability to learn and interact with the world. Functional verbal and non-verbal strategies will be demonstrated in all areas of speech and language