ERIC Number: EJ786117
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008-Mar
Pages: 11
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1368-2822
EISSN: N/A
Children with Phonological Problems: A Survey of Clinical Practice
Joffe, Victoria; Pring, T.
International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, v43 n2 p154-164 Mar 2008
Background: Children with phonological problems are a significant proportion of many therapists' caseloads. However, little is known about current clinical practice with these children or whether research on the effects of therapy have influenced this practice. Aims: To investigate the methods of assessment and remediation used by therapists working in the UK. Methods & Procedures: A questionnaire was sent to therapists working with pre- and primary school-aged children. Outcomes & Results: Ninety-eight clinicians of varying experience responded. Most used the South Tyneside Assessment of Phonology to assess children, were confident in choosing therapy, and were aware of evidence that therapy is beneficial. They used a variety of therapies. Auditory discrimination, minimal contrast therapy, and phonological awareness were popular and often used in combination. Most involved parents. In planning therapy, clinicians were more influenced by children's language and cognitive abilities and the motivation of parents than by the nature of the impairment. Conclusions: Constraints upon clinicians make it difficult for them to convert research findings to practice. In particular, assessments that allow more individualized and targeted interventions appear little used. Clinicians are aware of research but there is a danger that clinical practice and research are diverging. (Contains 3 tables.)
Descriptors: Phonology, Phonological Awareness, Auditory Discrimination, Reading Skills, Cognitive Ability, Speech Impairments, Allied Health Personnel, Speech Language Pathology, Speech Therapy, Young Children, Intervention, Parent Participation, Language Skills
Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/default.html
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United Kingdom
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A