This brief communication is a response to the article "The prevalence of lisping in gay men" (Van Borsel, J., De Bruyn, E., Lefebvre, E., Sokoloff, A., De Ley, S., & Baudonck, N. 2009. "Journal of Communication Disorders, 42", 100-106). I argue aspects of that study's design, measurement, and interpretation limit the strength of its authors'…

This paper argues that some of the patterns seen in aphasia may reflect difficulties in the cognitive preparations for language. In particular, some individuals might be unable to carry out processes of "Thinking for Speaking" (Slobin 1996), which frame thoughts for language production. Evidence to support this proposal is presented, together with…

Background: This paper considers some economic aspects of a therapy and support service for people with stroke and aphasia. This material was part of a broader evaluation of the service, which is reported elsewhere (van der Gaag et al. 2005, van der Gaag and Mowles 2005). Aims: The purpose of this part of the study was to investigate the…

This article discusses current developments in connectionist modeling and the extension of principles of dynamical systems theory to cognitive and language development that have resulted in a new theory of language development known as emergentism. Specific language impairment is discussed within this emergentist view and preliminary implications…

This introductory article introduces papers that present examples of neuroimaging applications in the field of communication sciences and disorders. It notes that neuroimaging studies were usually an outgrowth of earlier behavioral research or clinical observations with knowledge of the disorder's behavioral characteristic critical to development…

This article proposes a neurobiological account of reading and reading disability suggesting that for normally developing readers, the dorsal (tempo-parietal) circuit predominates at first, and in conjunction with premotor systems, is associated with analytic processing necessary for learning to integrate orthographic with phonological and…

The 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome is a genetic disorder in children with many concomitant medical and developmental problems. Communication disorders are among the most common features of this syndrome and include articulation, language, resonance, and voice problems. Awareness of these features and a multidisciplinary approach are necessary for…

Comments on studies that indicate delayed onset of canonical babbling may predict future language impairments. It cautions against the too-early assumption of the use of early perceptual and production capacities as clinical markers and warns that using lack of canonical babbling as a early index of language delay could lead to a high rate of…

A taxonomy for assessing development of speech-language clinicians based upon cognitive learning theory was applied in the analysis of videotaped clinical sessions involving three student clinicians. Developmental profiles in three areas of clinical problem solving (perspective taking, variables considered, and solutions generated) were derived.…

The concept of pathologic left-handedness is reviewed, from historical and empirical perspectives. It is suggested that there is no adequate evidence to justify its continued use, and the fact that the concept is still much used may be the result of a desire to restore lost symmetry to the brain. (Author/CL)

This article briefly describes sensory aids for individuals with hearing impairments, such as the visible speech translator, the cochlear implant, and the digital hearing aid, and identifies common trends. The article stresses factors affecting the development of sensory aids in the past and how these factors are likely to influence the future.…

This paper considers meanings used for the terms "affect,""emotion," and "mood" and suggests that feeling states should be defined in terms of duration, subjectivity/objectivity, the role of cognition, and the phenomenological level. A study of patients' facial expression and vocal acoustics is described to offer empirical support for the…

This article introduces this special issue on natural processes involved in spontaneous interactions between children with language disorders and their caretakers. It describes the use of the Child Language Data Exchange System (CHILDES) to study developmental language disabilities by analyzing phonological, morphosyntactic, lexical,…

Systems for classifying speakers' communicative intents are typically limited in scope, in applicability across the full developmental range of language abilities and disabilities, and in their theoretical foundations. Criteria for an adequate system for analyzing communicative intents are discussed, and a system is proposed which meets those…

The article discusses issues and controversies about microcomputers that could blur the user's ability to differentiate appropriate users from faddishness and gimmickry. Facts are contrasted with fallacies and fads surrounding microcomputers. (Author/CL)