L&L Therapy Services, LLC

The ultimate goal for speech-language pathologists is to align the linguistic behaviors of the clients whom we serve with those of the ambient language of the community. In light of this goal, it is critical that change in speech production is measured accurately. In this article, we review the use of visual analog scaling as a measure of change in children's speech production. Following a discussion of this tool, the authors consider the clinical utility of this type of measurement.

Stimulability has a long history in the field of speech-language pathology. The purpose of this article is to show different procedures that have been used over time and how stimulability methodologies are variable across clinicians. Global correction, phoneme-based, and dynamic assessment of speech adaptability approaches are presented. These measures are illustrated using a case sample of a preschool-age girl with severe phonological disorder. Furthermore, dynamic assessment of speech adaptability is highlighted as a newer strategy that encompasses stimulability and expands traditional practices in the diagnostic and treatment phases of intervention. A 15-point scale is used to document a child's ability to adapt speech production when given a systematic presentation of cues and linguistic environments.

Intelligibility is a critical component of effective communication. For children with significant speech disorders, intelligibility often has detrimental impact on functional communication and social participation. In this article, I consider the concept of intelligibility using the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health-2 (ICF-2; 2001) model and the concepts of an intelligibility-oriented approach to treatment.

In this article, we consider recent advances in theory and practice related to developmental phonological disorders (PDP). We consider the benefits of structured speech input to address PDP and provide a summary of a recent study designed to address phonological disorders in children using input-focused intervention. Results revealed that intervention focusing on input resulted in similar gains when compared to intervention focusing on speech production practice. We then discuss clinical implications.