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The purpose of this study was to classify and analyze trends in the assessment and training methods used in telepractice speech-language therapy (Tele-SLT) for people with aphasia (PWA), according to the type of Tele-SLT (synchronous, asynchronous, or combined). This study particularly aimed to identify gaps that prevent the establishment of Tele-SLT, a field that has gained significant attention post-COVID-19 pandemic. A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Included were research articles on Tele-SLT for individuals aged 18 years or older diagnosed with post-stroke aphasia. Articles in both English and Japanese were reviewed, using five online databases (Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, Cochrane Library, and ICHUSHI Web). Studies involving Tele-SLT were categorized by support methods, content, study design, and outcomes. The quality of the extracted studies was also assessed. We also assessed the quality of the selected studies and performed a meta-analysis of some of the results. Of the initial 1,484 articles, 35 met the eligibility criteria. Regarding Tele-SLT support methods, 3 articles (8.57%) focused on assessment methods, while 32 (91.43%) focused on training methods. Fourteen articles (40.00%) employed synchronous Tele-SLT delivery, 20 (57.14%) employed asynchronous delivery, and 1 (2.86%) employed a combined approach. The methodological quality of 27 (77.14%) of the included Tele-SLT articles was rated as 'Low'. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on Tele-SLT demonstrated that asynchronous training was effective for language function. This study highlights the need for more research, particularly on remote assessment and synchronous training methods, in Tele-SLT for PWA. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the need for improved research methodologies in this area. To provide high-quality support for PWA who have faced challenges accessing in-person speech-language therapy since the COVID-19 pandemic, further research and development of Tele-SLT implementation guidelines are needed.

The term primary progressive aphasia (PPA) describes a group of neurodegenerative disorders with predominant speech and language dysfunction as their main feature. There are three main variants – the semantic variant, the nonfluent or agrammatic variant and the logopenic variant – each with specific linguistic deficits and different neuroanatomical involvement. There are currently no curative treatments or symptomatic pharmacological therapies. However, speech and language therapists have developed several impairment-based interventions and compensatory strategies for use in the clinic. Unfortunately, multiple barriers still need to be overcome to improve access to care for people with PPA, including increasing awareness among referring clinicians, improving training of speech and language therapists and developing evidence-based guidelines for therapeutic interventions. This review highlights this inequity and the reasons why neurologists should refer people with PPA to speech and language therapists.

No abstract available.No abstract available.

In a recent trial investigating the effectiveness of speech and language therapy versus a control intervention in poststroke aphasia, patient outcome improved equally in both groups. However, flaws in the study relating to design of the control intervention, inadequate therapy 'dose', and the interpretation of null results should be highlighted.

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition, spelling and decoding abilities. Research findings agree that these and other observed behavioral manifestations largely result from a deficit in the phonological component of language. However, conflicting theories on the exact nature of the phonological deficit have given rise to divergent treatment approaches. Recent advances in functional brain imaging and genetics have allowed these theories to be examined more closely. If implemented appropriately, commercial programs can be effective in identifying dyslexia. Treatment of dyslexia has been advanced through neuroscience, yet further study is needed to provide rigorous, reproducible findings that will sustain commercial approaches.

This article aims to highlight the possibilities of the Intensive Programme (IP), one of the items of the Lifelong Learning Programme of the European Commission. The benefits of organizing an IP in a specific discipline-related area is illustrated by a case study of the speech-language therapy IP, which has been coordinated for 16 years by the Department of Speech-Language Therapy of the Lessius Hogeschool Antwerp, Belgium.

Aims: The study aimed to obtain information about communication in the migrant community in Malta. The objectives were to identify the communication skills of the migrants in terms of language use and exposure; to verify whether members of the migrant community have access to participation, education, socialization and opportunities for gainful employment, and to identify if the migrant community is willing to share insights. Method: A questionnaire was specifically devised to collect data via structured interviews. The project targeted candidates seeking refugee status. Forty immigrants consented to participate and were interviewed with the help of interpreters and carers. Results: Results indicate that migrants seem to experience different levels of adaptation and assimilation into the host cultural and social network. Some feel marginalized, while others seem to be adjusting to the new culture; these individuals also reported minimal to no difficulties with communicating with the local people. Communication among themselves was reported to be difficult for some, even though most of the migrants hailed from North Africa. Conclusion: The study provides an overview of challenges identified and highlights the need for service providers to identify cultural and linguistic characteristics to optimize their interpretation of behaviour.

Objective: To review the change in number of referrals to speech and language therapy for dysphasia and dysphagia over one decade. Design: This retrospective study analyses data collected on an information system developed speci cally for the use of speech and language therapists in the management of their services. Setting: Eleven health care providers used the system between 1985 and 1995 and recorded details of 73 758 patients referred to speech and language therapy during that period. Results: Whilst there were 12 times as many dysphasic patients as dysphagic patients referred to speech and language therapy in 1987, the position was reversed by 1995 with twice as many dysphagic as dysphasic patients being referred to these services. Dysphagia in 1987 accounted for less than 1% of the referrals to speech and language therapy. This percentage increased, until in 1995 20% of referrals were for dysphagia. Conclusion: No causal relationship between the changes in referral to speech and language therapy for these two groups has been established in this study. However, there has been a signi cant increase in referral to speech and language therapy of people with dysphagia. Whilst referrals for dysphasia have increased, they represent a lower percentage increase and now receive less treatment per case than in 1987.

Contact author: Yvette D. Hyter, PhD, CCC-SLP, Speech Pathology & Audiology, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5355. E-mail: yvette.hyter{at}wmich.edu This epilogue summarizes the six articles presented in the clinical forum focused on understanding children who have been affected by maltreatment and prenatal alcohol exposure. It presents common themes that emerged among the articles and future research directions. KEY WORDS: maltreatment, prenatal alcohol exposure, FASD CiteULike     Connotea     Del.icio.us     Digg     Facebook     Reddit     Technorati     Twitter     What's this?