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Background: Aspiration pneumonia (AP) is a subset of pneumonia caused by the aspiration of food and fluids to the lungs and is highly prevalent in the older population. Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is one of the risk factors for AP and it is also associated with malnutrition, dehydration and poor functional outcomes. As pneumonia is the second most common infection in nursing homes (NHs) and OD represents a major concern to NH staff, good practices for the prevention of AP in older adults at risk of OD are needed. Purpose: The aim of this modified e-Delphi study is to build consensus among a panel of experts regarding a set of recommendations for NH staff on good practices to prevent AP in older adults at risk of OD living in NHs. The objective of this paper is to establish the methodology inherent to the Delphi study. Methods: An online modified Delphi study will be developed in three rounds. Criteria for the Delphi panel participants include holding a master's or doctoral degree in OD or speech and language therapy; or having 10 or more years of experience in OD; or having at least one scientific publication related to OD. A previously described modified Delphi methodology will be used to achieve consensus (75% agreement). An additional round will be performed to collect the experts' perspectives regarding the priority for application of each recommendation previously validated. Discussion: This protocol aimed to describe the methodology of a future Delphi study on the prevention of AP, seeking to fulfil the gap in the literature regarding this topic. The modified Delphi technique is a widely used method for collecting experts' opinion in health sciences, but the absence of standardised guidelines allows some heterogeneity between studies with the same aim.

Background: Age is a key factor when dealing with language and speech disorders, as it entails a progressive loss of neuroplasticity even in healthy individuals. Apart from this, ageing also affects our word-retrieval abilities, and thus, our discursive skills, particularly in people suffering from neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, descriptions and/or measures of communicative performance always need to be interpreted through the lens of variation across the lifespan. Aim: This paper's main objective is to create a general tutorial for researchers willing to start delving into discourse analysis, both in healthy and pathological ageing. Methods: An eight-step tutorial on discourse analysis in the elderly is presented. Each of these steps starts with general recommendations and progresses to more specific topics that may be relevant when conducting this type of research. All of the steps have been extrapolated from an extensive literature review on discourse analysis. Main Contributions: This work presents an easy-to-follow, step-by-step tutorial on discourse analysis in the elderly. It is aimed at clinical researchers who are taking their first steps in discourse analysis. It may also be useful for those who are already familiar with the methodology but may be interested in reading a general overview on the topic. Moreover, it offers new insights into the following topics: types of research questions, advantages and disadvantages of the different research methodologies and ethical considerations for data production in clinical linguistics. Conclusions: Discourse analysis in the elderly is a highly complex issue that may require researching from different approaches and disciplines. This implies following a well-planned and thorough process, which we have detailed through the following eight steps: (i) reviewing literature; (ii) formulating the research question; (iii) designing the study; (iv) producing data; (v) selecting technological tools for data treatment; (vi) transcribing the corpus; (vii) annotating the corpus and (viii) analysing and interpreting the results.

Introduction: Echolalia, the repetition of others' speech, is a common observation in autistic people. Research has established that echolalia is functional and meaningful for many; however, some clinicians and researchers continue to characterise it as pathological and in need of reduction. The aim of this systematic review was to understand the range and impact of interventions for echolalia in autistic children. Method: A systematic search was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 15 studies met predetermined inclusion criteria. Screening, data extraction and quality rating using the Scientific Merit Rating Scale (SMRS) were performed in duplicate. Results: Ten interventions across 15 papers were found. Results indicated that interventions generally decreased levels of echolalia. However, there were considerable inconsistencies in the definitions and conceptualisations of echolalia, administration, generalisation techniques and the measures used. The quality of the studies was very low. Conclusion: Interventions for echolalia vary widely in terms of administration and measurement. There is limited consensus on the definition of echolalia among the reviewed studies, and no evidence that echolalia is recognised as functional or meaningful to the autistic children. Further, the lack of methodological rigour makes it difficult to draw clinical conclusions about the interventions.

Background: Functional neurological disorder (FND) is common across healthcare settings. The "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" states that speech and swallowing symptoms can be present in FND. Despite this, there is a dearth of guidelines for speech and language therapists (SLTs) for this client group. Aims: To address the following question in order to identify gaps for further research: What is known about speech, language and swallowing symptoms in patients with FND? Methods & Procedures: A scoping review was conducted. Six healthcare databases were searched for relevant literature: CINAHL PLUS, MEDLINE, ProQuest Nursing and Allied Health Professionals, Science Citation Index, Scopus, and PsychINFO. The following symptoms were excluded from the review: dysphonia, globus pharyngeus, dysfluency, foreign accent syndrome and oesophageal dysphagia. Main Contribution: A total of 63 papers were included in the final review; they ranged in date from 1953 to 2018. Case studies were the most frequent research method (n = 23, 37%). 'Psychogenic' was the term used most frequently (n = 24, 38%), followed by 'functional' (n = 21, 33%). Speech symptoms were reported most frequently (n = 41, 65%), followed by language impairments (n = 35, 56%) and dysphagia (n = 13, 21%). Only 11 publications comment on the involvement of SLTs. Eight papers report direct speech and language therapy input; however, none studied the effectiveness of speech and language therapy. Conclusions & Implications: Speech, language and swallowing symptoms do occur in patients with FND, yet it is a highly under-researched area. Further research is required to create a set of positive diagnostic criteria, gather accurate data on numbers of patients with FND and speech, language or swallowing symptoms, and to evaluate the effectiveness of direct speech and language therapy involvement.

Background Following content analyses of the first 30 years of the UK speech and language therapy professional body's journal, this study was conducted to survey the published work of the speech (and language) therapy profession over the last 50 years and trace key changes and themes. Aim To understand better the development of the UK speech and language therapy profession over the last 50 years. Methods & Procedures All volumes of the professional journal of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists published between 1966 and 2015 ( British Journal of Communication Disorders, European Journal of Communication Disorders and International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders) were examined using content analysis. The content was compared with that of the same journal as it appeared from 1935 to 1965. Outcomes & Results The journal has shown a trend towards more multi-authored and international papers, and a formalization of research methodologies. The volume of papers has increased considerably. Topic areas have expanded, but retain many of the areas of study found in earlier issues of the journal. Conclusions & Implications The journal and its articles reflect the growing complexity of conditions being researched by speech and language therapists and their professional colleagues and give an indication of the developing evidence base for intervention and the diverse routes which speech and language therapy practice has taken over the last 50 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Sociometric studies and adult reports have established that children with Language Disorder (LD) are at risk of peer relationship difficulties. However, we have limited knowledge of how children with LD understand friendship, whom they deem as a good or bad friend, and what role their friendship concepts play in their relationships with peers. This exploratory study aimed to conduct a qualitative investigation into the friendship concepts that children with LD hold and to explore their strategies for making friends. Methods: We conducted multiple, art‐informed interviews on the topic of friendship with 14 children with LD at the age of 6–8 years. Participating children were based in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. They attended enhanced provision, specific speech and language classes and mainstream classrooms. We used framework analysis to map children's responses to Selman's (1979) developmental model of interpersonal understanding, which espouses a theory of children's social development within the context of peer relationships. Results: The understanding of friendship formation in children with LD varied from physical presence to mutual support and sharing. Children's ideas about a good/bad friend represented the lowest developmental stage. Participants from the mainstream classroom demonstrated the highest stages of interpersonal understanding. Children with LD did not mention their language abilities as a barrier to making friends. Conclusion: There are limited studies exploring friendship directly from children with LD, and this study provides insights into this gap, by utilising art‐informed interviews. Children's immature understanding of a good/bad friend points towards a potential susceptibility to false friends, which we suggest needs further empirical validation. We also found that children with LD did not pay attention to their language difficulties when making friends, which raises questions about the ways diagnoses are shared with children. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: Children with Language Disorder (LD) are at risk of peer relationship difficulties. Studies to date are based on sociometrics and adult reports. Only a few studies employ participatory approaches to research with children, directly engaging children with LD when exploring their friendships What this paper adds: This paper directly asks children with LD about their understanding of friendship and strategies for making friends.Physical proximity and play are important to children.s understanding of friendship especially in recognising good and bad friends. This indicates potential reasons for children with LD being susceptible to false friendsAdditionally, children with LD do not perceive language and communication as a barrier to making friends. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Concepts around friendship and good/bad friends should be routinely assessed and targeted (if appropriate) in interventions. The study highlights the need to continue discussing practices around sharing diagnoses with children with LD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The role of participatory health research (PHR) is increasingly acknowledged by funding bodies, researchers and civil society globally; however, it continues to be under‐represented in the speech and language therapy (SLT) research literature. This collaborative research approach is associated with the increased application of research evidence, and the generation of positive impacts in practice, policy, health systems and society. Aims: To increase researchers' and other participatory partners' understanding of PHR, and to demonstrate its applicability to research in the SLT field. Methods & Procedures: This aim is achieved through a discussion on PHR, its principles, benefits and challenges, and the evaluation of its impact. A recently developed evaluation framework to support the implementation of best engagement practices is examined, and recommendations for how this framework can be used to plan and evaluate engagement in participatory stuttering research is presented. Main contribution: This paper serves as an important conversation on the value of PHR to SLT research, and presents guidance to support its increased implementation in this research field. Conclusions & Implications: Conclusions & Implications: PHR remains an under‐represented research approach in the SLT literature, despite increasing evidence demonstrating its effectiveness and value. It offers a potential solution to the research–practice gap, and challenges the ongoing research hierarchies by democrating the process of knowledge production. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject: PHR is increasingly attracting the attention of funders, researchers and decision‐makers due to a growing body of evidence in support of this collaborative research approach. Despite its potential to bridge the research–practice gap, PHR remains significantly under‐represented in the SLT research literature. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge: This paper discusses the principles, benefits, challenges and impact evaluation of PHR. A recently developed evaluation framework for supporting the implementation of best engagement practices is examined. A demonstration of how this framework can be used to plan and evaluate engagement in participatory stuttering research is presented. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Speech and language therapists play a key role in PHR, as co‐researchers contributing essential context‐based knowledge. It is therefore imperative that they understand the principles and practices of this approach in order to maximize their input in future participatory partnerships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Engagement is recognized as an important factor in aphasia treatment response and outcomes, yet gaps remain in our understanding of engagement and practices that promote engagement from the client perspective. Aims: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore how clients with aphasia experience engagement during their inpatient aphasia rehabilitation. Methods & Procedures: An interpretative phenomenological analysis approach guided the study design and analysis. Data were collected through in‐depth interviews with nine clients with aphasia, recruited through purposive sampling, during their inpatient rehabilitation admission. Analysis was completed using a variety of analytic techniques including coding, memoing, triangulation between coders and team discussion. Outcomes & Results: The analysis revealed that for clients with aphasia in the acute phrase of recovery, the rehabilitation process resembles travelling on a journey through a foreign land. Successful engagement in the journey was accomplished when one had a therapist who served as a trusted guide and was able to be a friend, invested, adaptable, a co‐creator, encouraging and dependable. Conclusions & Implications: Engagement is a dynamic, multifaceted and person‐centred process involving the client, provider and rehabilitation context. Findings from this work have implications for measuring engagement, training student clinicians to be skilled facilitators in engaging their clients and implementing person‐centred practices that promote engagement within clinical settings. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: Engagement is recognized as an important factor in rehabilitation treatment response and outcomes. Prior literature suggests that the therapist plays a critical role in facilitating engagement within the client–provider relationship. Communication impairments associated with aphasia may negatively impact a client's ability to develop interpersonal connections and participate in the rehabilitation process. There is a dearth of research directly exploring the topic of engagement in aphasia rehabilitation, particularly from the perspective of clients with aphasia. Capturing the client perspective can provide novel insights regarding practices to foster and maintain engagement in aphasia rehabilitation. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: This interpretative phenomenological study revealed that for individuals with aphasia in the acute phase of recovery, the rehabilitation process resembles travelling on a sudden and foreign journey. Successful engagement in the journey was accomplished when one had a therapist who served as a 'trusted guide' and was able to be a friend, invested, adaptable, a co‐creator, encouraging and dependable. Through the client experience, engagement is seen as a dynamic, multifaceted and person‐centred process involving the client, provider and rehabilitation context. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: The current study highlights the complexity and nuance of engagement within the rehabilitation context, which has implications for measuring engagement, training student clinicians to be skilled in engaging their clients and implementing person‐centred practices that promote engagement within clinical settings. It is necessary to recognize that client and provider interactions (and thus engagement) are embedded in and influenced by the broader healthcare system. With this in mind, a patient‐centred approach to engagement in aphasia care delivery cannot be achieved through individual efforts only and may require prioritization and action at the systems level. Future work is needed to explore barriers and facilitators to enacting engagement practices, in order to develop and test strategies to support practice change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was designed to produce a new parent‐report measure, the Diagnostic Receptive Expressive Assessment of Mandarin‐Infant Toddler Assessment of Communication and Language (DREAM‐IT) in order to provide norms for the developmental skills of children aged 0–36 months in four areas: expressive language, receptive language, cognitive play and social skills. Methodology: The scale was designed to be both broader and deeper than existing instruments that neglect one or more of these significant domains involved in early language. Items were chosen by a group of specialists with clinical experience working with the age group and with attention to the developmental literature. Caregivers were tested individually by a trained person who asked the questions and provided examples. In addition to an extensive health questionnaire, caregivers answered questions in Mandarin about their child's behaviour using a scale of 'not yet', 'sometimes' or 'always' or listing out words and/or sounds understood or said by the child. The 476 participating caregivers were recruited at maternal and child healthcare clinics centred in Chengdu, China, 191 of whom were tested a second time seven months later. The children were sampled in three‐month age‐bands from 0 to 36 months. The sample was balanced for child gender by age band, and parental education was balanced. Caregivers of 0–24‐month‐old children and caregivers of 12–36 months were each asked a different set of questions, to determine the appropriate age range and cutoff points for each question, requiring the sample size to be doubled for children aged 12–24 months. Results: The results were subject to item‐response theory analysis to remove outlying items, and the resulting internal reliability was high for each domain (average Cronbach's alpha=0.87). The final instrument (between 67 and 113 questions in total) was refined to include the least redundant questions that had the highest intercorrelations, with attention paid to coverage of all domains across the age range. Two scales were developed: one for children 0–18 months, the second for children aged 18–36 months. The longitudinal design permitted the creation of growth curves and norms for each domain for six‐month intervals from 0 to 36 months. A small sample of 32 parents of children with Down syndrome aged 18–36 months provided validation that the scales are highly sensitive to developmental delay. Conclusion: The instrument shows considerable promise for detecting early communication problems in children in China. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: In China, efforts were made in recent years to develop language assessments for infants and toddlers, but limitations existed with the domains included and number of items included per age group. Many clinical practitioners also continued to rely on language subtests of general developmental scales, which were limited in depth and breadth of language skills tested and were never intended for diagnosis of language delay. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: This paper discusses the development of a valid caregiver report instrument for early communication and language skills of infants and toddlers in mainland China. The Diagnostic Receptive Expressive Assessment of Mandarin‐Infant Toddler (DREAM‐IT) includes foundational domains necessary for language and communication development in young children (receptive language, expressive language, cognitive play and social communication domains). The results show strong internal reliability (Cronbach's alpha) for each domain on a sample of 716 children sampled in three‐month age bands from 0 to 36 months. The external validity proved strong when tested on a group of 32 young children with Down syndrome. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Besides helping to inform the diagnosis of language delays in infants and toddlers in China, the caregiver report instrument has special features to support clinical practitioners in a field that is just emerging in China. The unique support features include the automatic generation of a profile of relative strengths and weaknesses of the child on the report and the recommendation of child‐specific caregiver coaching videos on a companion app. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Children with communication disorders experience difficulty in one or more areas of articulation and speech, language, fluency, voice and social communication, and they work with speech‐language pathologists (SLPs) to improve their communication. With the rise of adoption and use for mobile applications among special education and healthcare service providers, SLPs also have implemented, and for some, contributed to the design of, mobile applications (apps) during clinical practice. However, how these mobile apps are designed and implemented for clinicians to facilitate their clients' communication and learning experiences during therapy remains underinvestigated. Aims: This qualitative research study investigated how mobile apps were designed for clinicians to target assessment and intervention goals. Additionally, it focused on how clinicians adopted these apps while integrating therapy techniques to facilitate their clients' learning. Methods and Procedures: Informed by the Research, Practice, and Design for iPad Apps (iRPD) framework and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 37 licensed pediatric SLPs, including 23 SLPs who have used apps and 14 SLPs who have contributed to the design of their own mobile apps. Two rounds of qualitative coding via template analysis and thematic analysis were then used to analyse client and clinician characteristics, clinical practice, therapy tools, app characteristics, influential factors and app design and use recommendations. Outcomes and Results: Results showed SLPs utilise different genres of assistive, educational and recreational game apps to support children's communication development when working with children who have diverse disorders and therapy needs across different age groups. SLPs who have designed their own apps emphasised the importance of following evidence‐based practice, well‐researched teaching methods and learning theories. Additionally, multiple financial, sociocultural, political and ethical factors contributed to the design, adoption and implementation of mobile apps during services. Conclusions and Implications: By understanding the clinician's app use practices situated in various therapy activities and techniques, we specified a list of design recommendations for app designers who are interested in creating mobile apps for supporting children's speech and language development. By bringing insights from both clinical practitioners as well as those with additional technical design backgrounds, this study contributes to the understanding of clinical practice needs and strategies and will lead to the most optimal app design and adoption practice to support the well‐being of children with communication disorders. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: Speech language pathologist (SLPs) implement mobile apps for clients with diverse therapy needs, and their app adoption and use are influenced by multifaceted factors. Although prior studies have reported SLPs' mobile app use, additional information is still needed. For example, the research literature does not include how specific technology is used during therapy practice, or specific details about challenges and needs in implementing and utilising the technology. Additional research also needs to include influential factors (e.g., financial, sociocultural, political, ethical) that are considered when selecting, implementing, assessing and designing an app. The lack of research in these areas directly affects the understanding of clinical mobile technology practices and further hinders clinicians' abilities to advocate for better clinical and design decisions towards identifying and implementing effective mobile apps that facilitate children's communication. What this study adds to existing knowledge: This qualitative study is the first known empirical research that interviewed pediatric speech‐language pathologists who have used and designed mobile apps for children who receive speech‐language therapy across different clinical settings. By investigating experiences from clinician stakeholders to illustrate a holistic overview of app design and development to deployment, this study reported finding on (1) how clinicians use mobile apps to help children to participate in different therapy activities, and (2) a list of recommended design and development guidelines that informs the design and use of mobile apps that best support and motivate children to engage in therapy. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: This study disseminates clinician‐reported practices of app design and use with pediatric clients across different speech‐language disorders, and identifies gaps and needs for clinicians and researchers who are interested in understanding the role of mobile technology in relationship to human communication and interaction. Additionally, the paper demonstrates that SLPs have instrumental roles rather than passive users in influencing the design and implementation of different genres of mobile apps through evidence‐based clinical practice, and call for partnerships across clinicians, special educators and technologists to support children's communication development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Eating, drinking and swallowing (EDS) difficulties are important to identify early. Awareness of EDS changes starts with those living with dementia or their family carers. However, little is known about early identification from the perspective of people with dementia. Aim: The aim of this study was to understand the experience of EDS by people living with dementia in their own home. Methods: Published evidence pertaining to EDS difficulties in dementia was used to inform an online semi‐structured interview guide. Four people living with dementia and a third‐sector Empowerment Lead were invited to become co‐researchers. People living with dementia and their carers were invited to be interviewed. We enquired about their past and present experiences, and future expected changes in EDS, information needs, opinions on early problem identification, and lifestyle modifications following onset of EDS difficulty. Narrative concepts of heroes and villains in their 'stories' were identified. Responses were subjected to framework analysis informed by narrative enquiry. Results: Seven people living with dementia and five family carers were interviewed. The overarching theme was a 'missed connection' between EDS difficulty and dementia. Where EDS difficulties were identified, 'compensatory changes' and a need for 'access to information' were noted. Conclusions: The connection between potential EDS difficulties and a dementia diagnosis may not be made, even though EDS changes were recognised by people living with dementia and their family carers. This may be explained by behaviours that mask problems or allow individuals to cope or compensate. Reduced awareness may also be due to inadequate access to information and lack of specialist services. If the connection between dementia and EDS difficulty is missed it could further delay access to support services. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: The prevalence of dementia is increasing and is expected to affect 9% of the population by 2040. EDS difficulties are common in people living with dementia and predispose to poorer outcomes. Better awareness of EDS changes early in the disease process of dementia or at preclinical stages can identify individuals at risk and allow for intervention prior to advanced EDS difficulties developing. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: This paper reports the perspective of people living with dementia and family carers and provides insights into experiences of EDS and the challenges faced and identifies commonalities. The connection between potential EDS difficulties and dementia is missed despite various changes reported by both people living with dementia and their family carers, who tend to make compensatory lifestyle changes without support. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Lack of awareness of the connection between potential EDS difficulties and dementia may arise due to inadequate access to information to support people living with dementia and their family carers. Access to such information is needed and the quality assurance of information from reputable sources is important to people living with dementia. There is a need for greater service user awareness of signs of EDS difficulty and how to access specialist services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the governmental delineation of the speech‐language therapist (SLT) profession and in preservice SLT education, Flemish SLTs are considered as gatekeepers of the standard language in Flanders. Yet, most Flemish clients typically use a colloquial language style. Following earlier research on how teachers' language style affects teacher–student interactions, an SLT's strict adherence to standard Dutch may potentially evoke perceptions of inequality in their clients. As a result, Flemish SLTs may find themselves torn between on the one hand adhering to the standard language and on the other hand adapting to the sociolinguistic style of their client and establishing trust. In the present study, we explored SLTs' views on using standard/colloquial language varieties in their practice. Methods & Procedures: Individual semistructured interviews were conducted with 13 Flemish SLTs who worked with children, adolescents and adults in special schools, private practices and hospitals. Interview transcripts were analysed with reflexive thematic analysis. Outcomes & Results: Analyses yielded three themes. Switching between styles was (1) triggered by client characteristics (age, style, therapeutic needs), and it was shaped by (2) the need for establishing trust and (3) a balance between the SLT's professional and personal identity. Notably, most SLTs described partially converging with their clients' colloquial style, effectively reconciling their professional identity as expert speakers with their personal identity as a colloquial language user. Conclusions & Implications: Despite consensus on the role of the SLT as gatekeeper of standard language, many SLTs felt that colloquial language also plays an important role as it bolsters therapeutic alliance and rehabilitation of functional communication. By implementing reflective mixed methods and integrating the client perspective, future studies should further examine how authentic style‐switching occurs and how various styles used by the SLT are evaluated by clients in different contexts. These findings may guide the development of style‐switching as a communicative strategy that can be addressed in preservice education. What this paper adds: What is already known on the subject: In Flanders, the existence of various (non‐)standard varieties of Dutch may evoke some tension regarding the preferred variety in a given context. Flemish teachers switch between standard language and colloquial language (style‐shifting), depending on the foregrounding of the transactional or relational nature of the context. Moving towards students' colloquial speech builds trust and perceptions of equality. Despite the importance of alliance in speech‐language therapy, little is known about how speech‐language therapists (SLTs) feel about using colloquial speech given that they are considered expert speakers. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: While 'talking properly' is part of the SLT's professional identity, many Flemish SLTs felt that strict adherence to the standard language variety hinders therapeutic alliance. While standard language was strongly associated with professionalism, strict adherence to standard language was used only when SLTs felt they had to prove their clinical competency or when language scaffolding was in the foreground. Partially converging with the clients' language use allowed SLTs to reconcile their professional identity as expert speaker with personal identity and authenticity. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Both colloquial speech and standard speech serve a function in SLT practice. Therefore, switching between standard and colloquial speech needs further consideration as a communicative strategy rather than instilling in therapists an ideological, normative stance towards language. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute and late toxicities in patients treated with (chemo)radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) is common and can negatively impact quality of life and performance. Performance status instruments measure the functional ability to perform daily life activities and are important tools in the oncologic population. Aims: Since Dutch performance status scales for the HNC population are lacking, we conducted this study to translate the Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer Patients (PSS‐HN) into Dutch (D‐PSS‐HN) and to validate this version. Methods & Procedures: The D‐PSS‐HN was translated into Dutch according to the internationally described cross‐cultural adaptation process. It was administered to HNC patients and together with the Functional Oral Intake Scale completed by a speech and language pathologist at five different time points during the first 5 weeks of (chemo)radiotherapy. Patients were asked each time to complete the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy and the Swallowing Quality of Life Questionnaire. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to calculate convergent and discriminant validity and the evolution of D‐PSS‐HN scores was assessed by means of linear mixed models. Outcomes & Results: A total of 35 patients were recruited and > 98% of the clinician‐rated scales were completed. Convergent and discriminant validity were demonstrated, with all correlations rs between 0.467 and 0.819, and between 0.132 and 0.256, respectively. The subscales of the D‐PSS‐HN are sensitive to detect changes through time. Conclusion & Implications: The D‐PSS‐HN is a valid and reliable instrument to assess performance status in patients with HNC treated with (chemo)radiotherapy. It is a useful tool to measure HNC patients' current diet level and functional abilities to perform daily life activities. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: Acute and late toxicities in patients treated with (chemo)radiotherapy for HNC are common and can negatively impact quality of life and performance. Performance status instruments measure the functional ability to perform daily life activities and are important tools in the oncologic population. However, Dutch performance status scales for the HNC population are lacking. Therefore, we translated the Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer Patients (PSS‐HN) into Dutch (D‐PSS‐HN) and validated this version. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: We translated the PSS‐HN and demonstrated its convergent and discriminant validity. The subscales of the D‐PSS‐HN are sensitive to detect changes through time. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: The D‐PSS‐HN is a useful tool to measure HNC patients' functional abilities to perform daily life activities. The tool can easily be used in clinical settings: since data collection duration is very short, this facilitates clinical (and research‐related) implementation of the scale. Patients' individual needs could be identified by using the D‐PSS‐HN, resulting in more appropriate approaches and (early) referrals if needed. Interdisciplinary communication could be facilitated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Reading comprehension is frequently impaired in persons with aphasia (PWA). For goal‐setting and outcome measurement, speech and language therapists (SLTs) need to determine an individual's perspective of their reading difficulties and everyday reading activities. The Comprehensive Assessment of Reading in Aphasia (CARA) reading questionnaire provides a person‐centred tool to find out the individual perception of reading functions, reading‐related emotions and reading activities in PWA. It was developed and evaluated in English. So far, there is no equivalent instrument in German. Aims: To translate and adapt the CARA reading questionnaire into German language and culture, to evaluate its practicability and acceptance, and to provide the first psychometric properties of the German version. Methods & Procedures: Based on translation and adaptation guidelines, we conducted two forward translations that were merged and then adapted. A back translation was prepared and compared with the original version. It was found to be semantically equivalent by one of the authors of the original version. We performed pilot testing with 12 PWA, and the pilot version was adapted according to the comments of these participants. We then collected data on self‐reported perception of reading and on psychometric properties of the translated and adapted German version. A total of 22 German‐speaking PWA completed the questionnaire at least five times during an intervention study. We analysed retest reliability with Spearman correlation, internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha, internal responsiveness with the standardized response mean, as well as the relationship between outcomes of the questionnaire and text comprehension measures using repeated measures correlations. Outcomes & Results: Our data suggest good practicability and acceptance of the German version of the CARA reading questionnaire as well as appropriate validity, reliability and sensitivity to measure therapy‐induced change. We found moderate correlations between outcomes of the questionnaire and text‐level reading speed. Conclusions & Implications: The German version of the CARA reading questionnaire could be helpful in intervention planning and goal‐setting with German‐speaking PWA. By using the questionnaire, SLTs can find out about a person's individual perception of reading difficulties as well as individually relevant reading activities. The questionnaire provides a tool to measure change and is therefore valuable to demonstrate self‐reported individual progress. As reading speed seems to be an indicator of personal perception of reading difficulty, it is important to consider reading speed in reading interventions and in reading comprehension assessments. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: Reading comprehension is frequently impaired in PWA. Reading preferences, the perception of difficulties and the impact on everyday life reading activities are specific to the individual and thus need to be known for goal‐setting, intervention planning and monitoring of change. As part of a comprehensive assessment of reading, Morris et al. developed a person‐centred English language questionnaire for this purpose. So far, there is no equivalent tool in German. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge: In this study, we translated and adapted the questionnaire to German language and culture, and analysed its validity and reliability with German‐speaking PWA. We demonstrated that the German version is accessible for German‐speaking PWA, and that it has appropriate validity, reliability and sensitivity to measure self‐reported change. Outcomes of the questionnaire correlate with text level reading speed. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: The German version of the questionnaire could be a valuable self‐reported outcome measure to assess individual perceptions of reading and to measure progress (as perceived by an individual) as a consequence of recovery or intervention in either clinical or research settings. As reading speed might be an indicator of everyday life reading as perceived by an individual, it should be considered in reading assessments and interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extensive variation in the terminology used for paediatric diagnoses across the speech and language therapy research literature is an internationally recognized problem. Little is known, however, about how and how often diagnoses are given in a clinical context. In the UK, speech and language therapists (SLTs) identify and support children who have speech and language needs. To understand and address clinically rooted terminological issues that may directly impact clients and families, there is a need for exploration of how the diagnostic process is operationalized in practice. Aim: To identify, from the perspective of SLTs, areas that present as enabling and obstructive factors to conducting diagnosis in clinical practice. Methods & Procedures: Taking a phenomenological approach, 22 paediatric SLTs were interviewed using a semi‐structured format. Thematic analysis revealed a number of factors that were either classified as 'enabling' or 'obstructive' to their diagnostic processes. Outcomes & Results: Participants were often hesitant to provide a diagnosis to families and universally reported the need for targeted guidance, which accounts for the demands of current clinical practice, to guide their diagnostic process. Four enabling factors were identified from participant data: (1) working to a medical model, (2) the availability of collegiate support, (3) recognizing the benefits of diagnosis,, and (4) relating to the needs of the family. Seven themes portrayed obstructive factors in practice: (1) the complex presentation of clients, (2) the risk of giving a 'wrong' diagnosis, (3) participants' uncertainty about diagnostic criteria, (4) insufficient training, (5) service models, (6) concerns about stigma and (7) not having enough clinical time. The obstructive factors created dilemmas for participants and resulted in hesitancy to give a diagnosis, potentially contributing to delays in diagnosis experienced by families as reported in previous literature. Conclusions & Implications: Of paramountcy to SLTs were the individual needs and preferences of their clients. Practical barriers and areas of uncertainty increased hesitance to diagnose, which may inadvertently preclude families from accessing resources. Recommendations include more widely accessible training in diagnostic practice, guidelines to support clinical decision‐making, and a greater understanding of client preferences with regard to terminology and its potential relationship with social stigma. What This Paper Adds: What is already known on the subject: Inconsistency in terminology for paediatric language diagnoses has been broadly discussed, mostly in reference to variation within research literature. The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists' (RCSLT) position statement on developmental language disorder (DLD) and language disorder made recommendations for SLTs to use these terms in clinical practice. There is some evidence that SLTs face challenges in operationalizing diagnostic criteria in practice, particularly given financial and resource constraints. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: SLTs disclosed several issues that either supported or were obstructive to the practice of diagnosing paediatric clients and delivering this information to families. Whilst most SLTs faced constraints related to the practicalities and demands of clinical practice, a number also held reservations about the impact of a lifelong diagnosis for young clients. These issues resulted in considerable avoidance of formal diagnostic terminology, in favour of description or informal terminology. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: If diagnoses are not given, or if SLTs are using informal diagnostic terms as an alternative strategy, clients and families may experience reduced opportunities to yield benefits associated with a diagnosis. Clinical guidance that specifically addresses the prioritization of time and provides directives for clinical action in instances of uncertainty may support SLTs to feel confident in giving diagnoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: People who have communication difficulties may benefit from using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Understanding and measuring outcomes from the use of AAC is an important part of evaluating the impact of devices and services. Outcome measurement needs to reflect the changing nature of the impact of using AAC on an individual's ability to participate in activities of daily life. There is a limited understanding of the concepts that should inform the evaluation of outcomes from AAC device provision, nor how people's expectations from AAC may change over time. Aims: To inform the development of a patient‐reported outcome measure for AAC by understanding more about people's expectations from AAC and how these change over time. Methods & Procedures: A longitudinal qualitative research study was designed and carried out with seven participants over a period of 2 years. Participants were recruited from a regional specialist assessment service for AAC in the south‐west of the UK. Four semi‐structured interviews were carried out: (1) before assessment for AAC, (2) after assessment, (3) directly after provision of an AAC device and (4) between 6 and 12 months after provision. An original analytic method was used in this study that built on the principles of longitudinal interpretative phenomenology analysis, applied with a dialogic theoretical lens. This approach enabled the inclusion of a range of multimodal and embodied data collected to this study and allowed the research team to draw out salient themes across the cohort group while attending to the influence of time and context on experience. Outcomes & Results: The results confirm and extend the three core concepts that were used to guide analysis: changes; contexts; future possibilities. The contextual and temporal influences on outcomes attainable from AAC for this cohort were also identified and illustrated through cross‐case comparison. Deeper, analytic, and conceptual engagement with theory, which was then applied to analysis of the data, provided methodological rigour in the study. The results enhance our understanding of people's hopes and expectations from AAC and how these change over time. Conclusions & Implications: This qualitative longitudinal research study provides new insights into the journeys of people who experience communication disability, and the shifting nature of their sense of identity as they engage with, and learn from using, AAC. The study is significant as it attends to the dynamic nature of experience and how contextual and experiential factors influence people's hopes and expectations from AAC. The paper presents an original application of longitudinal qualitative research methodology with people who use AAC which can be further applied and tested in the field of communication disability research. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject: We did not know the impact that time has on the concepts that have been identified to represent important outcomes from AAC. The existing concepts used to define outcomes from AAC were not adequately conceptualized to develop a patient‐reported outcome measure. This study sought to extend our knowledge about outcomes from AAC. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge: This study adds to the methodological toolkit available for qualitative inquiry in the field of communication disability research by presenting a longitudinal qualitative research methodology. It adds depth to our understanding of the concepts that underpin outcomes from AAC and highlights the dynamic nature of contexts and how this influences desired outcomes. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: This longitudinal qualitative research study provides a broader perspective on the experience of getting AAC. It will enable clinicians to better navigate the contextual and transitionary factors that influence people's experience of acquiring AAC devices. The enhanced concepts described will also support clinical conversations that consider the wider facets of communication and what AAC can add to existing communicative tool kits beyond getting a message across. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early intervention is recommended for pre‐school children with low language. However, few robustly evaluated language interventions for young children exist. Furthermore, in many interventions the theoretical underpinnings are underspecified and the 'active ingredients' of the interventions not tested. This paper presents a quasi‐experimental study to test the efficacy and examine the active ingredients of Building Early Sentences Therapy (BEST): an intervention based on usage‐based theory designed to support young children to understand and produce two‐, three‐ and four‐clause element sentences. BEST manipulates the input children hear to support them to harness the cognitive mechanisms hypothesized in usage‐based theories to promote the development of abstract linguistic representations. One such input manipulation is the use of signing alongside verbal input signalling both content and morphology of target sentences. Aims: To examine whether (1) BEST is more efficacious than treatment as usual (TAU); and (2) signing of content and morphology is an active ingredient of the intervention. Methods & Procedures: A quasi‐experimental study recruited children aged 3;5–4;5 years from 13 schools. Schools were assigned to receive either BEST with sign, BEST without sign or TAU. The TAU group received their usual classroom provision. Across arms schools were matched with respect to classroom oral language environment and indices of deprivation. Participants were 48 children (28 boys) with expressive and/or receptive language abilities ≤ 16th centile measured using the New Reynell Developmental Language Scales (NRDLS). Outcomes gathered by researchers blind to treatment arm were NRDLS production and comprehension standard scores and measures of production of targeted sentence structures. Outcomes & Results: Primary outcomes indicate that BEST with sign was significantly more efficacious than TAU with respect to NRDLS production standard score, but not comprehension. The advantage for production was maintained at follow‐up. BEST without sign was significantly more efficacious than TAU on measures of targeted vocabulary, sentence structure and morphology. The results from this quasi‐experimental study provide evidence for the efficacy of a usage‐based intervention on expressive language outcomes for preschool children with low language abilities. There is also evidence to support the inclusion of sign as an active ingredient, and so efforts to train interventionists in its use are worthwhile. Conclusions & Implications: Patterns of findings across outcomes suggest signing of content and morphology may support the development of abstract linguistic representations and accelerate language learning. Given these positive results and the scale of this study, a fully powered randomized controlled trial is warranted. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: Robust language skills are crucial for positive social, emotional, academic and economic outcomes across the lifespan. There is a paucity of robustly evaluated interventions for preschool children with language difficulties. The development of such interventions is crucial for ameliorating language difficulties and promoting positive educational and psychosocial outcomes. What this study adds to the existing knowledge: This paper evaluates BEST, a novel usage‐based language intervention targeting children with language difficulties in the early years. Findings indicate that a usage‐based intervention is efficacious for treating language difficulties. In particular, BEST benefited expressive language development, bringing benefits to both treated and untreated language structures and improving standard scores. The role of sign as an active ingredient is also supported. Further evaluation is warranted. What are the practical and clinical implications of this work?: Findings suggest that BEST may be effective for targeting children who have been identified as having language difficulties. In particular, expressive language may be improved when the intervention is delivered as it was originally manualized, including a signing system to represent content and grammatical morphology. More broadly, these findings also provide preliminary evidence that the use of a signing system does not hinder oral language development in children with language difficulties and may conversely support their expressive language. Future research exploring the role and underpinning mechanisms of sign in language intervention is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stroke profoundly affects quality of life (QOL), including loss of employment, reduced social activity, shrinking social networks and low mood. Dysgraphia (impaired writing) is a common symptom of aphasia yet is rarely targeted in rehabilitation. Recent technological advances might challenge this, since much communication is now conducted digitally through writing. The rehabilitation of writing may therefore help to address the wider consequences of stroke and aphasia. Aims: Can assistive technology (AT) training for people with dysgraphia: (1) improve written output, and are gains achieved only with AT? (2) improve reading comprehension scores, and are gains achieved only with AT? and (3) affect social participation, mood or QOL Methods and Procedures: Design A mixed‐methods, repeated measures, small group study design was adopted (qualitative outcomes will be reported elsewhere). Participants: Recruited from community settings, for example, Stroke Association communication support groups. Inclusion criteria: over 18 years old, aphasia due to stroke, acquired dysgraphia, writing more impaired than speech, fluent English prior to stroke, access to computer and Internet. Exclusion criteria: currently receiving speech and language therapy, significant cognitive impairment, neuromuscular/motor‐speech impairments/structural abnormalities, developmental dyslexia, uncorrected visual/auditory impairments. Procedures: Screening and diagnostic assessments at time T1 (first baseline). Outcome measures at T1; repeated at T2 (second baseline), T3 (end of intervention), T4 (3‐month follow up). Social participation assessment and cognitive monitoring at T2, T3, T4. Intervention: Seven–ten hours individual therapy weekly and additional email support. Participants were trained to operate Dragon NaturallySpeaking (speech to text package) and ClaroRead (read writing aloud). Outcome measures were administered on pen and paper (control) and on computer, with AT enabled only at T3, T4. Outcomes and Results: Computer narrative writing was significantly improved by AT training (Friedman's χ2 (3) = 8.27, p = 0.041), indicating a compensatory effect of AT. Though reading comprehension significantly improved in the computer condition (Friedman's χ2 (3) = 21.07, p = 0.001), gains could not be attributed to the AT. Gains were achieved only when measures were administered on the keyboard, with AT enabled. Thus, a compensatory rather than remediatory effect was suggested. Social network size significantly increased; there were no significant changes in mood/QOL. Individual success rates varied. Conclusion and Implications: The customisable AT training was acceptable to participants and resulted in significantly improved narrative writing. Compensatory AT interventions are a useful adjunct to remediatory writing interventions and may particularly support functional writing. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject: Writing is rarely spared in aphasia and may present as the most impaired communication modality. Yet, people with aphasia report that writing is seldom included in their rehabilitation. Many communication activities are now conducted digitally through writing, therefore rehabilitation of this is more important than ever before. This study sought to address whether an assistive technology (AT) software package can improve writing and whether any changes were compensatory or remediatory. What this study adds to existing knowledge: This group study found that AT training led to gains in written discourse and social network in people with aphasia and dysgraphia. Gains were not replicated in handwritten tasks, suggesting this was a compensatory therapeutic approach. What are the clinical implications of this work?: AT programs such as this may present speech and language therapists with a practical, pragmatic adjunct to writing or typing therapy, particularly for clients with chronic, intractable impairments for whom remediatory therapy may have a low chance of success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spoken discourse impairments post‐traumatic brain injury (TBI) are well‐documented and heterogeneous in nature. These impairments have chronic implications for adults in terms of employment, socializing and community involvement. Intervention delivered by a speech–language pathologist (SLP) is recommended for adults with discourse impairments post‐TBI, with an emphasis on context‐sensitive treatment. The developing evidence base indicates a wide array of treatment components for SLPs to evaluate and implement within their clinical practice. However, there is limited insight into how SLPs are currently treating discourse impairments and the rationales informing clinical practice. Aims: To explore the under‐researched area of clinical practice for spoken discourse interventions with adults post‐TBI, including treatment components and clinician rationales, and to contribute towards a shared knowledge base. Methods & Procedures: Participants were recruited via purposeful sampling strategies. Six SLPs participated from Australia, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US). Semi‐structured interviews were conducted via Zoom. Interviews were manually transcribed, coded and analysed via a qualitative content analysis approach. Outcomes & Results: :Participants described discourse treatment practices across various settings and TBI recovery stages. Results indicated that SLPs used numerous treatment activities, resources and outcome measures. Intervention approaches primarily targeted social communication skills, strategy development/utilization and insight‐building. Clinical practice conformed to available guidelines where possible, reflected best practice and incorporated components of the research literature. Participants reported using individualized treatment activities aimed at addressing client‐specific factors and rationales prioritized tailored, context‐sensitive and goal‐directed treatment. Conclusions & Implications: This study provided insight into a previously under‐researched area. It highlighted a wide range of treatment activities and factors informing current SLPs' treatment of spoken discourse impairment post‐TBI. Overall, clinical practice and rationales discussed in this study were aligned with best practice and emphasized a contextualized, individualized approach to discourse treatment across service settings and stages of recovery. Participants identified areas requiring further support, including access to training, resources and research, and the challenge of finding suitable outcome measures. Further investigation into discourse management post‐TBI, from initial assessment to outcome measurement, may help inform clinical decision‐making and the transfer of research to practice. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: Spoken discourse impairments occur in dialogic and monologic productions post‐TBI. Interventions targeting both genres are detailed within the research literature; however, studies exploring clinical practice and decision‐making for discourse interventions post‐TBI are limited. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: This study provides new insight into the current treatment targets, activities, resources and outcome measures employed by clinicians supporting adults with discourse impairment post‐TBI. It details the factors that influence clinical decision‐making for this caseload and identifies an emphasis on client priorities and the value of clinician experience. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: This study identifies the broad and complex considerations required to deliver context‐sensitive discourse intervention post‐TBI. It indicates the need for an in‐depth review from assessment to treatment outcomes to better understand and support this area of practice and to direct future research. This study also highlighted the role of clinician experience in discourse intervention and the value of sharing clinical knowledge and resources within and across the profession to support all levels of clinician experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Meaningful, varied, joyful conversation is an important therapy target for adults with language or cognitive–communication disorders following acquired brain injury (ABI). However, the complexity of daily communication is often reduced to component parts within intervention programmes, with mixed evidence of generalization to everyday conversation. Interventions targeting co‐construction of communication within a dyad offer a structured way in which to retain and treat elements of everyday conversation for individuals and their communication partner (CP). Such interventions exist but they are variably labelled, target different ABI populations and have not been synthesized. Aims: To identify the nature, scope and effects of intervention studies targeting co‐constructed communication in adults with ABI. Method: This systematic review was completed using PRISMA Guidelines. Six databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, LLBA, PsychInfo) were searched and 1210 studies were screened. Data were extracted and studies were rated for methodological quality and completeness of reporting. Outcome measures and effects of treatment were collated through descriptive synthesis. Main Contribution: This review highlights an emerging evidence base in relation to an intervention approach that targets everyday communication. Co‐constructed communication interventions have been reported by 13 studies, from a total of 206 participants with post‐stroke aphasia, traumatic brain injury and progressive language impairments. These interventions take a range of formats, including referential communication tasks, retell/recount therapies and communication training programmes. Methodological quality evaluation indicated mostly low‐level study designs. Heterogeneity was identified in primary outcome measures, with 28 unique primary outcome measures reported across studies. Most studies demonstrated change in task‐specific or broad communication outcome measures. Conclusions: Co‐constructed communication interventions may offer clinicians a systematic, protocolized, replicable way to target everyday communication for adults with ABI. More high‐quality, experimental designs with complete reporting and psychometrically sound outcome measures are needed to strengthen the evidence base. What This Paper Adds: What is already known on this subject: Everyday conversation is an important therapy target for adults with ABI, but there is mixed evidence of therapy gains generalizing to everyday life. Many interventions reduce conversation to component parts such as naming or sentence construction. A different approach is needed to capture the social, dyadic, interactive and multifaceted nature of conversation. We propose the term 'co‐constructed communication interventions' as a therapy genre targeting semi‐structured dialogue. These interventions retain elements of everyday conversation (such as multimodal communication and situating tasks within dyads), combined with experimental elements (where stimuli prompt interactions and responses can be scored against normative data). What this paper adds to existing knowledge: This review proposes and describes a distinct genre of discourse intervention within the current evidence base with a novel operational definition of 'co‐constructed communication'. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Co‐constructed communication interventions directly target elements of everyday communication by situating the therapy goals within a dyadic, interactive, multimodal task. A range of intervention tasks have been identified, including collaborative storytelling and problem‐solving. This review will be of interest to clinicians working with adults with ABI; co‐constructed communication interventions may offer a useful, replicable way to target aspects of everyday communication. This synthesis of the current evidence base encourages clinicians' informed, evidence‐based decisions around these interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cognitive communication disorder (CCD) following traumatic brain injury (TBI) is well documented and these communication problems impede successful re‐integration into community living. While there is growing evidence for intervention to both detect and treat the impact of these deficits across the rehabilitation continuum, there are barriers to accessing services. Cognitive communication impairments may be missed because the person can talk, and this may mask the subtle but debilitating impact of a CCD. Referral to a speech and language therapist (SLT) may be overlooked or not timely, which prevents the individual accessing evidence‐based interventions. Inadequate treatment provision and an under‐ or overestimation of communication capability can potentially undermine the effectiveness of wider team assessment and intervention. Aims: To report stakeholder views on specialist SLT input for CCD within a multidisciplinary team intervention for a community‐dwelling individual with severe TBI. The investigation explored perspectives on understanding of CCD, on practice and on outcomes, in order to inform professional groups on perceived impacts of the evidence‐to‐practice gap. Methods and Procedures: A semi‐structured interview methodology was employed with 11 stakeholder participants involved in a single case. Data were evaluated using a thematic framework method. Themes were inductively derived from the stakeholder narratives. Outcomes: Stakeholders reported the following outcomes from specialist SLT input for CCD within a collaborative team approach: improved engagement with rehabilitation and support teams, improved health‐related quality of life and well‐being, and increased client participation in community activities of personal relevance. Stakeholders also reported inequities in wider service provision where limitations in professional understanding of CCD and knowledge of best practice recommendations preclude access to specialist SLT services. Conclusions: CCDs are under‐recognised and this can have a devastating effect on people with CCD and on those around them. Stakeholder reports provide evidence for the effectiveness of SLT practice recommendations for the treatment of CCD following TBI. They also provide additional evidence of persisting barriers to accessing treatment. Future research to explore ways to close this evidence‐to‐practice gap is required. What This Paper Adds: What is already known on this subject: Cognitive communication difficulties are a well‐documented consequence of TBI. There is evidence for the effectiveness of person‐centred interventions for CCD across the recovery continuum. International evidence‐based practice recommendations are in place for CCD assessment and management. Barriers to accessing SLT expertise for CCD have previously been reported. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: This investigation explores the views of a diverse group of stakeholders involved in a single case of a community‐dwelling individual with severe TBI. Stakeholders report positive real‐world outcomes from SLT interventions for CCD within a coordinated multidisciplinary rehabilitation team. Stakeholder reports also indicate inequities in wider service provision and CCD knowledge gaps amongst professional groups providing rehabilitation services for people with TBI. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: CCDs are under‐recognised, with devastating effect for people with CCD and those around them. These findings underscore the importance of raising professional awareness of CCD and best practice recommendations, in order to improve access to SLT expertise for people with CCD following TBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: People with an acquired brain injury (ABI) find it challenging to use social media due to changes in their cognition and communication skills. Using social media can provide opportunities for positive connection, but there is a lack of interventions specifically designed to support safe and successful social media use after ABI. Aims: To investigate the outcomes of completing a social media skills intervention and identify barriers and facilitators for future implementation. Methods & Procedures: The study used a mixed‐methods, pre‐post‐intervention design. A total of 17 adults with an ABI were recruited. Participants completed an intervention that included a short self‐guided course about social media skills (social‐ABI‐lity course), and then participated in a private, moderated Facebook group over a 12‐week period (social‐ABI‐lity Facebook group). Data were collected over this period through observation of group activity and weekly surveys. They were also collected on social media use and quality of life at pre‐intervention, post‐intervention and after 3 months. Participants provided feedback on the experience of participating in the programme via a post‐intervention interview. Outcomes & Results: At post‐intervention, there were significant improvements in confidence in using Facebook (p = 0.002) and enjoyment of using Facebook to connect with others (p = 0.013). There was no significant change in reported quality of life, although participants described the multiple benefits of connection they perceived from involvement in the group. Observational data and feedback interviews were informative about the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. Conclusions & Implications: This pilot study provided preliminary evidence that an intervention comprising a short, self‐guided training course and a private, moderated Facebook group improved outcomes for people with ABI. Key recommendations for future implementation include embedding active peer moderators within groups and taking an individualized approach to delivery of the intervention. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: Research has documented the challenges that people with ABI experience in using social media, and the difficulty for rehabilitation clinicians in providing appropriate support in this field. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: This pilot study reports the outcomes of people with ABI completing a short, self‐guided social media skills course and participating in a private, moderated Facebook group. After the intervention, participants reported significantly increased confidence and enjoyment in using Facebook, described the benefits of connection found in the groups, and suggested potential improvements for future implementation. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: With the growing use of social media for connection and participation, there is a professional obligation to address social media communication skills in cognitive–communication rehabilitation for people with ABI. The findings of this study will inform interventions and future research to assist people with ABI to build their social media skills for communication, social support and a sense of connection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autistic children without intellectual disability will likely experience higher level language and communication difficulties. These may appear subtle, in that they are not immediately evident to those who do not know the child well and may not manifest in all environments. Because of this, the impact of such difficulties may be underestimated. This phenomenon has similarly attracted little research attention, meaning the extent to which subtle language and communication difficulties contribute to the needs of autistic individuals without intellectual disability may be underspecified in clinical services. Aims: To offer a detailed exploration of how relatively subtle language and communication difficulties impact on autistic children without intellectual disability and what strategies parents recognize can mediate those negative effects. Methods & Procedures: Twelve parents of autistic children from the target group (aged 8–14 years, attending mainstream school) were interviewed about how subtle language and communication difficulties impact their autistic child. Rich accounts were derived then analysed using thematic analysis. Eight of the children discussed had previously been interviewed independently in a parallel study. Comparisons are discussed in this paper. Outcomes & Results: Parents reported heterogeneous but pervasive higher level language and communication difficulties which universally impacted key areas of the children's function: peer relationships, developing independence and performance in education. Communication difficulties were also universally associated with negative emotional responses, social withdrawal and/or negative self‐perceptions. While parents identified a range of ad hoc strategies and naturally occurring opportunities that improved outcomes, there was little mention of the means to address primary language and communication difficulties. The current study showed a number of parallels with child accounts, demonstrating the benefits of collecting data from both sources in clinical and research investigations. However, parents were more concerned about longer term implications of language and communication difficulties and highlighted their impact on the child developing functional independence. Conclusions & Implications: Subtle language and communication difficulties, typically identified in this higher ability autistic group, can impact significantly on key areas of childhood function. Support strategies seem to be parent generated and inconsistently applied across individuals, without the benefit of coherent specialist services. Dedicated provision and resources targeting areas of functional need may be beneficial to the group. In addition, the commonly reported association between subtle language and communication difficulties and emotional well‐being indicates the need for greater exploration using empirical methods, and joined‐up clinical working between speech and language therapy and mental health services. What this paper adds: What is already known on the subject: There is now a wide understanding of how language and communication difficulties can impact the individual. However, where those difficulties are relatively subtle, for example, in children without intellectual disability and where difficulties are not immediately evident, less is known. Research has often speculated on how identified differences in higher level structural language and pragmatic difficulties might impact on the function of autistic children. However, to date dedicated exploration of this phenomenon is limited. The current author group explored first‐hand accounts of children. Corroborative evidence from parents of the same children would add further weight to understanding this phenomenon. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge: This study provides a detailed exploration of parents' perspective relating to the impact of language and communication difficulties on autistic children without intellectual disability. It provides corroborative detail that support child accounts of the same phenomenon, indicating the impact on peer relationships, school outcomes and emotional well‐being. Parents also report functional concerns around the child's ability to develop independence and this paper demonstrates how parents and children might deviate in their accounts, with parents reporting increased concerns around the longer term implications of early language and communication difficulties. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Relatively subtle language and communication difficulties can have a significant impact on the lives of autistic children without intellectual disability. Greater service provision for this group is therefore indicated. Interventions could focus on areas of functional concern where language is implicated, for example, peer relationships, developing independence and school success. Additionally, the relationship between language and emotional well‐being points to further integration between speech and language therapy and mental health services. Differences found between parental and child reports highlight the need to collect data from both parties during clinical investigations. Parental strategies may offer benefits for the wider population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many amateur singers enjoy singing in choirs. They are likely to lack the training and expertise of professional singers and this may have an impact on their vocal health. Aims: To assess the experiences of amateur singers, their use of warm‐up and cool‐down sessions, their vocal health, their sources of help and advice and their reactions to receiving a diagnosis and treatment. Methods and Procedures: A questionnaire was sent to amateur choir singers. Quantitative data on their use of warm‐up and cool‐down activities were collected and the singers rated how frequently they experienced adverse voice symptoms after singing. Qualitative data were collected from singers who had sought advice about their voice and from those who had received a diagnosis and treatment. Outcome and Results: Most choirs used warm‐up sessions but few used cool‐down. Singers who participated in choir warm‐ups experienced significantly less vocal symptoms. Individual warm‐ups were ineffective. Singers who had previously had a diagnosis continued to have significantly higher symptom scores. A quarter of the singers who had neither sought help nor had a diagnosis had high scores. Singers appeared uncertain about who to consult for help. Those who saw a speech and language therapist were much more likely to receive a diagnosis and treatment either by the therapist or by referral to an ear, nose and throat specialist. Those receiving treatment were mainly positive about it and likely to complete a course of therapy. Conclusions and Implications: Warm‐up sessions performed by choirs are helpful in avoiding voice symptoms and are recommended. The presence of singers who are unaware of potential damage to their voices is a concern. A simple rating system, as used in this research, may act to alert them to the dangers. Choir leaders could be more active in advising singers and refer them to professionals where necessary. Speech and language therapists appear more sensitive to their problems and could be a first point of contact. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject: Poor vocal health may occur in amateur singers and lead to voice disorders which will reduce the demonstrated benefits of regular singing. They may be less aware than professional singers of potential hazards and may not know how to sing in a way that ensures good vocal health. There has been less research on the extent of voice problems in amateurs or of the actions they may take to resolve the vocal difficulties they encounter. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge: This survey demonstrates that choir warm‐ups were effective in helping to avoid common symptoms associated with voice problems. A large minority of singers who had not sought help for voice problems had high symptom scores on our assessment. Singers frequently turned to a singing teacher for help. Those who consulted a speech and language therapist were much more likely to be referred for further investigation and treatment. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: We present a simple subjective measure of symptom severity which succeeds in distinguishing between singers who warm up their voices and those who do not and between singers who have received a past diagnosis and those who have not. There are a number of indications in this research that amateur singers are unsure if they need help and are uncertain who can offer it. In these circumstances the use of a simple measure of the severity of vocal abuse may be useful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Montreal Children's Hospital Feeding Scale (MCH‐FS) allows paediatricians and other health care professionals to identify feeding difficulties among children. Aim: To translate and adapt the MCH‐FS into Italian, and to evaluate the validity and reliability of this Italian version of the Montreal Children's Hospital Feeding Scale (I‐MCH‐FS). Methods & Procedures: A total of 150 children with special healthcare needs were admitted to the Rare Disease Unit of the Paediatrics Department at the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy, between March 2021 and March 2022 (74 males; mean age = 3.85 ± 1.96 years; median age = 4 years; age range = 6 months–6 years and 11 months) and 150 healthy participants (83 males; mean age = 3.5 ± 1.98 years; median age = 3 years; age range = 6 months–6 years and 11 months) were included in the study, which was approved by the local ethics committee. The original version of the MCH‐FS was translated and cross‐cultural adapted through five stages: (1) initial translation, (2) synthesis of the translations, (3) back translation, (4) expert committee and (5) test of the prefinal version. Test–retest reliability and internal consistency were assessed using Pearson r, Spearman r and Cronbach's alpha, respectively. Construct validity was established by comparing data obtained from patients with those of healthy participants using the Mann–Whitney U‐test. Outcomes & Results: A Pearson r of 0.98, a Spearman r of 0.95 and Cronbach's alpha value of 0.86 were obtained. In the clinical group, 40.6% children were classified as having feeding disorders (n = 61), while in the normative group 4.7% were diagnosed with feeding problems (n = 7). Mean total score of the clinical group was significatively different from the normative's. Conclusions & Implications: The I‐MCH‐FS is a valid and reliable one‐page, quick screening tool used to identify feeding disorders among children with special needs in outpatient paediatric setting. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: The MCH‐FS is a valid and reliable parent‐report measure aimed at discriminating between children presenting or not feeding disorders. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: This paper presents the translation and cross‐cultural adaptation of the scale into the Italian language. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: The Italian version of the MCH‐FS can be used in the special healthcare needs population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: People with aphasia (PWA) can experience functional numeracy difficulties, that is, problems understanding or using numbers in everyday life, which can have numerous negative impacts on their daily lives. There is growing interest in designing functional numeracy interventions for PWA; however, there are limited suitable assessments available to monitor the impact of these interventions. Existing functional numeracy assessments lack breadth and are not designed to be accessible for PWA, potentially confounding their performance. Additionally, they do not include real‐life demands, such as time pressure, which may affect their ecological validity. Thus, there is a crucial need for a new assessment to facilitate further research of PWA's functional numeracy. Aims: To develop, validate and pilot a wide‐ranging, aphasia‐friendly functional numeracy assessment to investigate how functional numeracy is impacted by aphasia severity and time pressure demands, and to explore predictors of PWA's functional numeracy. Methods & Procedures: To develop the Functional Numeracy Assessment (FNA), 38 items inspired by the General Health Numeracy Test (GHNT) and Excellence Gateway were adapted for suitability for PWA and entered in a computerized psychometric‐style test. The final 23 items (FNA23) were selected based on 213 neurotypical controls' performance, and controlled for difficulty, response modality and required numeracy skills. Aphasia‐friendly adaptations of the GHNT and Subjective Numeracy Scale were used to examine the FNA23's concurrent validity. Internal consistency reliability and interrater reliability (for spoken responses) were also examined. A novel Time Pressure Task was created by slight adaptation of seven FNA23 questions to explore the effects of time pressure on functional numeracy performance. A total of 20 PWA and 102 controls completed all measures on an online testing platform. Outcomes & Results: The FNA23 demonstrated acceptable internal consistency reliability (KR‐20 = 0.81) and perfect interrater reliability (for spoken responses). FNA23 and GHNT scores were positively associated, suggesting satisfactory concurrent validity. PWA demonstrated poorer functional numeracy than controls and took longer to complete assessments, indicating that aphasia impacts functional numeracy. Time pressure did not significantly impact performance. PWA demonstrated a wide range of functional numeracy abilities, with some performing similarly to controls. Conclusions & Implications: The FNA23 is a wide‐ranging, valid and reliable assessment which, with further development, will be a useful tool to identify and monitor PWA's functional numeracy difficulties in research and clinical practice. Considering PWA's widespread functional numeracy difficulties evidenced by this study, all PWA would likely benefit from routine evaluation for functional numeracy difficulties as part of their neurorehabilitation journeys. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject: Few studies have investigated functional numeracy difficulties in PWA. No published functional numeracy assessments exist that have been specifically designed to be accessible for PWA. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: The newly developed FNA23 is a valid and reliable tool to extensively assess PWA's functional numeracy. This study confirmed previous findings of widespread functional numeracy difficulties in PWA that are related to their aphasia severity. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: The FNA23 can be used to assess PWA's functional numeracy to inform areas of strengths and difficulties to target in intervention, and to monitor progress towards achieving intervention objectives. All PWA should be routinely evaluated for functional numeracy difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A number of practice barriers (e.g., time constraints, patient comorbidities and competing demands) exist as regards the evidence‐based assessment of adult language within the acute hospital setting. There is need for an evidence‐based, diagnostically validated, adaptable, comprehensive and efficient aphasia assessment. The Brisbane Evidence Based Language Test (EBLT) was developed to meet this need for a clinically appropriate and diagnostically robust assessment measure. Since the release of the EBLT, there has been no detailed investigation into speech and language therapists' (SLT) use and perceptions of the assessment. To inform future research and improvements to the EBLT, a better understanding of current language assessment practices, use and thoughts on the EBLT are required. Aims: To investigate SLTs' current language assessment practices; and to explore the current usage and future directions of the Brisbane EBLT. Methods & Procedures: A convergent parallel mixed‐methods study design with an electronic survey was utilized. The survey consisted of 16 multiple‐choice, multiple‐answer and free‐text questions that explored respondents' perceptions of current language assessment measures, ideal language assessment features, Brisbane EBLT use, positives and negatives, and future directions for the EBLT. The survey was developed on Qualtrics and disseminated via email, social media and professional networks. Snowball sampling was used. Study inclusion criteria required participants to be qualified SLTs with clinical experience working with patients with aphasia. Quantitative data were analysed via descriptive and correlative statistics, and qualitative data were analysed via content analysis. Outcomes & Results: The survey was completed by 115 SLTs from Australia, New Zealand, the United States, the UK, Canada, France, Lebanon and Belgium. Many respondents identified that a range of assessments is required to meet SLT clinical needs in the assessment of aphasia. Key desirable assessment features reported were: comprehensive, efficient, evidence‐based, responsive and flexible. The EBLT was the most frequently used standardized measure reported by respondents (used by 78.63%). The EBLT reportedly has many positive features; however, respondents indicated dislike of the form layout, scoring and responsiveness. The majority of respondents indicated that the development of additional EBLT tests (94.29%) and additional cut‐off scores (95.15%) would benefit their clinical practice. Conclusions & Implications: The study findings indicate that SLT assessment of language is complex and multifaceted. While the EBLT is reportedly used widely by SLTs, respondents identified areas for further research which would optimize the test's usability within their practice, to ultimately improve patient outcomes. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: Previous studies have explored existing SLT adult language assessment practices within acute settings; however, the most recent comprehensive study was completed in 2010. In 2020, the development, diagnostic validation, intra‐ and interrater reliability of the Brisbane EBLT were published. As of yet there has not been an investigation into clinician use and perspectives of the assessment since its release. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: This study provides contemporary data about international aphasia assessment practices, as well as descriptive and qualitative information on the current use of the Brisbane EBLT, and the positives, negatives, and future directions for the assessment measure. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: The study suggests that no one language assessment currently satisfies all SLTs' assessment needs. It additionally implies that a large proportion of SLTs believe that it is best practice to use multiple language assessment measures and select these based on the patient's presentation and context. Further research is required to aid the development of additional EBLT test versions and cut‐off scores to improve SLT adult language assessment practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: Even though evidence for the use of linguistic–phonological intervention approaches in children with a cleft (lip and) palate (CP±L) is still limited, these approaches are being used by speech–language pathologists (SLPs) to treat active or compensatory cleft speech disorders in clinical practice. It is, however, unknown to what extent linguistic–phonological intervention is acceptable to SLPs. The aim of this study is to investigate the retrospective acceptability of linguistic–phonological intervention in children with a CP±L from the perspective of SLPs using the theoretical framework of acceptability (TFA). Methods & Procedures: A total of 18 female community SLPs, aged between 23 and 63 years, were included in the study. An independent interviewer conducted semi‐structured interviews. Data were analysed using a deductive coding approach. Statements of the SLPs were related to the seven constructs of the TFA: affective attitude, burden, ethicality, intervention coherence, opportunity costs, perceived effectiveness and self‐efficacy. Outcomes & Results: The affective attitude and perceived effectiveness of linguistic–phonological intervention differed among the SLPs: some therapists had positive attitudes towards these approaches, while others did not. Positive attitudes were related to the successful use of linguistic–phonological intervention in the past. The construct 'ethicality' revealed that negative attitudes towards these approaches were attributed to the limited available scientific evidence or negative experiences while using these approaches. In contrast, SLPs who had positive attitudes considered these interventions as 'important' and 'valuable'. Some SLPs had negative reflections on linguistic–phonological intervention as these approaches were considered demanding in terms of time needed to gain knowledge on using them in children with a CP±L (constructs 'burden' and 'opportunity costs'). Additionally, some SLPs doubted their self‐efficacy to use these approaches in clinical practice. Conclusions & Implications: The acceptability of linguistic–phonological intervention differed between the SLPs in this sample and was most likely related to their previous experiences with these linguistic–phonological approaches. It is important to increase not only the amount of scientific evidence for linguistic–phonological approaches but also the supply of evidence‐based workshops and training courses on this topic. These initiatives should distribute scientific information that is translated into guidelines that are immediately applicable in clinical practice. This may potentially reduce the time‐related burden that some SLPs currently experience to gain expertise in this matter. In future research, it is necessary to investigate if there exist differences in acceptability between the different types of linguistic–phonological therapy. What This Paper Adds: What is already known on this subject: Linguistic–phonological speech intervention approaches are often used by SLPs to treat active or compensatory cleft speech disorders in clinical practice. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: This study investigated whether linguistic–phonological intervention cleft speech intervention is acceptable to SLPs. Some therapists had positive attitudes towards these approaches, while others did not. Positive attitudes were related to the successful use of these approaches in the past. If SLPs indicated having negative attitudes, these negative feelings were attributed to the limited available scientific evidence or negative experiences while using these approaches. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work: Even though linguistic–phonological speech intervention approaches are being used in clinical practice, these approaches are not always considered acceptable by SLPs. Acceptability could be enhanced by increasing the amount of scientific evidence for linguistic–phonological approaches, but also by increasing the supply of workshops and training courses on this topic. These initiatives should distribute hands‐on information that is immediately applicable in clinical practice. This may potentially reduce the time‐related burden that some SLPs currently experience to gain expertise in this matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The risks of developmental language disorder (DLD) for both educational progress and socio‐emotional development are well documented, but little is known about how children and young people with DLD experience and describe their language and communication. The need to complement experimental and quantitative studies with qualitative perspectives of the lived experience of individuals with DLD for speech and language therapists (SLT) practice has recently been foregrounded. Aims: To understand further the experiences of young people with DLD focusing on language and communication in a school context, and thereby contribute to the improvement of the communicative situation in school for this group. The study is guided by the following research question: How do young people diagnosed with DLD describe their experiences of language and communication in school? Methods & Procedures: The study is based on data generated from qualitative semi‐structured interviews with 23 participants diagnosed with DLD (age 13–19 years old) living in Sweden. All participants attended mainstream schools. To enable data to be collected during COVID‐19 restrictions, all interviews were conducted using Zoom. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Outcomes & Results: Four main themes related to experiences of language and communication in school were constructed from the interviews: (1) feelings of inadequacy and comparisons with others; (2) feelings of being misjudged and misunderstood; (3) the importance of feeling safe and comfortable; and (4) the significance of the social and communicative context. The results bear witness of difficult and challenging aspects related to language and communication in school, including educational, social and emotional dimensions. An important outcome of this study is how young people diagnosed with DLD describe their language and communication functioning to be dependent on both individual characteristics and abilities, as well as situational, contextual and social factors. Conclusions & Implications: The results from this study show that young people with DLD can have persisting problems related to language and communication in school, including educational, social and emotional dimensions. SLT services may therefore be needed throughout the school years to ensure that students with DLD receive adequate support. In addition, support that goes beyond language abilities and targets social, contextual and emotional aspects should be considered. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject: Children and young people have unique knowledge about their language and communication which is instrumental for designing interventions and support strategies. Qualitative analyses of interview data have been able to identify both risk factors and protective strategies in relation to the well‐being of individuals with DLD. Despite this, children and young people with DLD are rarely heard in research or clinical discussions. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: In this study we listen to the voices of young people with DLD as they describe their experiences of language and communication in school. The participants describe a condition that makes them struggle to keep up with peers and puts them at risk of being misjudged by teachers, but also give examples of situations where negative consequences are hardly felt. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: DLD is a complex and dynamic disorder where contextual and social factors interact with individual abilities in creating the end result. The results of the study indicate that DLD can cause persisting problems related to language and communication in school, with impact on educational, social and emotional dimensions. To counteract these effects, SLT services may be needed throughout the school years, and support that goes beyond language abilities must be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: In Italy, approximately 650 individuals receive a diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia (PPA) every year. Unfortunately, the frequency with which patients are referred to speech‐language services is suboptimal, likely due to skepticism regarding the value of speech‐language therapy in the context of neurodegeneration. Materials and Methods: We conducted a virtual survey of speech and language therapists (SLTs) across Italy, to collect information about the assessment, intervention and management of patients with PPA. To ensure that as many SLTs as possible received the survey, the Italian Federation of SLTs (Federazione Logopedisti Italiani, FLI) aided in disseminating the survey. Results: In total, 336 respondents participated in the online survey, 140 of whom had previous experience with PPA patients. Respondents indicated having seen a total of 428 PPA patients in the previous 24 months (three patients on average, range: 0–40). SLTs who reported never working with PPA identified underdiagnoses, low referral rates and the rarity of the clinical syndrome as major reasons for their lack of experience with PPA. SLTs with experience working with PPA indicated that patients may not have accessed services because of service dysfunction and geographical barriers. Respondents reported using informal interviews during assessments and tests developed for post‐stroke aphasia, while impairment‐based/restitutive interventions were utilised most often. Conclusion: Findings may serve to inform health policy organisations regarding the current shortcomings and needed recommendations for improving the care of individuals with PPA in Italy. Improving awareness of the utility of rehabilitation among SLTs and other clinical service providers may serve to facilitate access to intervention, which in turn will serve to better support individuals living with PPA. What This Paper Adds: What is already known on the subject: Speech and language therapists (SLTs) play a crucial role in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of people with primary progressive aphasia (PPA). However, the frequency with which individuals with PPA are referred for speech and language services is suboptimal due to skepticism regarding the value of speech and language therapy in the context of neurodegeneration, the scarcity of SLTs with expertise in the treatment of PPA and the lack of awareness of the SLT role amongst referrers. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: In recognition of the lack of published information on the provision of speech and language therapy services and clinicians' approaches to the assessment and treatment of individuals with PPA in Italy, we conducted an online survey to evaluate the current referral patterns for speech and language therapy services and to examine the current barriers to access these services for individuals with PPA in Italy. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: The data presented here support that SLTs view treatment as useful for individuals with PPA and other professional figures and may serve to improve access to intervention, which in turn will serve to better support individuals living with PPA. The results highlight the need to inform health policy organisations about current gaps and aid in developing recommendations for improving the care of individuals with PPA, in order to understand how SLTs can best support individuals with PPA and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Children with Down syndrome have speech and language difficulties that are disproportionate to their overall intellectual ability and relative strengths in the use of gesture. Shared book reading between parents and their children provides an effective context in which language development can be facilitated. However, children with Down syndrome often take a passive role in shared book reading and the use of key word signing (KWS) as a shared book reading technique has never been investigated. Aims: This study aimed to compare children with Down syndrome's participation and use of KWS across two methods of shared book reading – one in which a book had key‐word sign prompts embedded (signed condition) and the other in which a book was read as normal (unsigned condition). Measures of child and parent communicative behaviour were taken in each condition to establish if differences emerged. Methods & Procedures: A total of 36 children with Down syndrome (aged between 18 and 61 months) and their mothers took part in the study. Parent–child dyads were videoed at home reading two books, one in a signed and one in an unsigned condition. Child measures included total number of signs produced in each condition and levels of attention and initiation as measured by the Pivotal Behaviour Rating Scale. Parent measures included total number of utterances, mean length of utterance (MLU) in morphemes and vocabulary diversity (VOCD). Parental measures were transcribed using the Codes for Human Analysis Transcripts (CHAT) software and analysed by the Computerised Language Analysis software (CLAN). Contrasts in outcomes between the signed and unsigned conditions were estimated using Poisson and linear mixed‐effects models, determined by the type of data. Outcomes & Results: Results showed that children attempted to sign significantly more in the signed than unsigned condition, as well as showing significant increases in their levels of attention and initiation. There was also a significant increase in the total number of utterances used by parents in the signed versus unsigned condition and a decrease in MLU. VOCD was similar in both conditions. Conclusions & Implications: This study shows that the simple act of embedding key word signs into commercially available books, during shared book reading between parents and young children with Down syndrome, positively affects children's participation (initiation and attention) and use of KWS. The use of KWS as a core shared book reading technique may therefore be a fruitful avenue to facilitate growth in the language abilities of young children with Down syndrome. What this paper adds: What is already known on this subject: Most children with Down syndrome have significant speech and language difficulties, with relative strengths in the use of gesture. Shared book reading is an activity reported to positively affect language. However, children with Down syndrome are reported to take a passive role in shared book reading and are therefore more dependent on their parents to use techniques that facilitate their levels of participation, in order to maximise potential benefits. To the best of our knowledge, the communicative effects of embedding key word signing (KWS) in shared book reading have never been examined with children with Down syndrome. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: This is the first study to investigate the communicative impact of parents embedding KWS in a shared book reading activity with their young children with Down syndrome. Our findings show that this relatively simple manipulation resulted in Increase in children's sign attempts.Increase in children's overall participation in shared book reading (indicated by levels of attention and initiation).Increase in the number of utterances produced by parents (primarily as a result of repetitions).Decrease in parental mean length of utterance. These findings suggest that embedding KWS in shared book reading is likely to facilitate increased language abilities in this cohort. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Shared book reading is part of the daily routine for many parents and their children with Down syndrome. Integrating KWS is a relatively simple adaptation to this activity which is likely to enhance children's language skills. Therapists can encourage parents to do this at home to support work carried out at school and in a clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence‐based recommendations for a core outcome set (COS; minimum set of outcomes) for aphasia treatment research have been developed (the Research Outcome Measurement in Aphasia—ROMA, COS). Five recommended core outcome constructs: communication, language, quality of life, emotional well‐being and patient‐reported satisfaction/impact of treatment, were identified through three international consensus studies. Constructs were paired with outcome measurement instruments (OMIs) during an international consensus meeting (ROMA‐1). Before the current study (ROMA‐2), agreement had not been reached on OMIs for the constructs of communication or patient‐reported satisfaction/impact of treatment. Aim: To establish consensus on a communication OMI for inclusion in the ROMA COS. Methods & Procedures: Research methods were based on recommendations from the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) Initiative. Participants with expertise in design and conduct of aphasia trials, measurement instrument development/testing and/or communication outcome measurement were recruited through an open call. Before the consensus meeting, participants agreed on a definition of communication, identified appropriate OMIs, extracted their measurement properties and established criteria for their quality assessment. During the consensus meeting they short‐listed OMIs and participants without conflicts of interest voted on the two most highly ranked instruments. Consensus was defined a priori as agreement by ≥ 70% of participants. Outcomes & Results: In total, 40 researchers from nine countries participated in ROMA‐2 (including four facilitators and three‐panel members who participated in pre‐meeting activities only). A total of 20 OMIs were identified and evaluated. Eight short‐listed communication measures were further evaluated for their measurement properties and ranked. Participants in the consensus meeting (n = 33) who did not have conflicts of interest (n = 29) voted on the top two ranked OMIs: The Scenario Test (TST) and the Communication Activities of Daily Living—3 (CADL‐3). TST received 72% (n = 21) of 'yes' votes and the CADL‐3 received 28% (n = 8) of 'yes' votes. Conclusions & Implications: Consensus was achieved that TST was the preferred communication OMI for inclusion in the ROMA COS. It is currently available in the original Dutch version and has been adapted into English, German and Greek. Further consideration must be given to the best way to measure communication in people with mild aphasia. Development of a patient‐reported measure for satisfaction with/impact of treatment and multilingual versions of all OMIs of the COS is still required. Implementation of the ROMA COS would improve research outcome measurement and the quality, relevance, transparency, replicability and efficiency of aphasia treatment research. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject: International consensus has been reached on five core constructs to be routinely measured in aphasia treatment studies. International consensus has also been established for OMIs for the three constructs of language, quality of life and emotional well‐being. Before this study, OMIs for the constructs of communication and patient‐reported satisfaction/impact of treatment were not established. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: We gained international consensus on an OMI for the construct of communication. TST is recommended for inclusion in the ROMA COS for routine use in aphasia treatment research. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: The ROMA COS recommends OMIs for a minimum set of outcomes for adults with post‐stroke aphasia within phases I–IV aphasia treatment research. Although not intended for clinical use, clinicians may employ the instruments of the ROMA COS, considering the quality of their measurement properties. The systematic inclusion of a measure of communication, such as TST, in clinical practice could ultimately support the implementation of research evidence and best practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In order to conduct research that is meaningful to speech and language therapy services and their patients, it is often desirable to conduct the research within routine clinical services. This can require considerable time and commitment from speech and language therapists (SLTs). It is therefore important to understand the impact that such participation in research can have. Aims: To explore the impact of research participation in the Big CACTUS study of self‐managed computerized aphasia therapy conducted in 21 UK NHS speech and language therapy departments. Methods & Procedures: An online survey was sent to SLTs who took the lead role for the study at their NHS Trust to evaluate the impact of study participation in three domains: capacity‐building, research development and health services. The questionnaire, based on the VICTOR framework for evaluating research impact, included Likert scale statements and closed and open‐ended questions. The results from open‐ended questions were coded and analysed using framework analysis in NVivo 12 and the data from closed questions were analysed descriptively. Outcomes & Results: A total of 12 SLTs returned the survey. Nine codes were identified from open‐ended questions and 20 predefined from the literature. Analysis of the responses demonstrated the perceived impact including improvements in practices and access to therapy, investments in infrastructure, increased SLT profile, and impact on research culture among SLTs. The usefulness of the intervention during the COVID‐19 pandemic was also highlighted. Conclusions & Implications: The results suggest participation in Big CACTUS has resulted in improvements in patient care and SLT research capacity and culture in speech and language therapy departments. What This Paper Adds: What is already known on the subject: Practice‐based research is encouraged to assist with the clinical relevance of the research findings. Participation in research can be seen as an activity that is additional to the core business of patient care and it can be difficult to secure time to participate or conduct research in clinical settings. Impact evaluation initiatives of individual trials facilitate early identification of benefits beyond the trial. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: This study describes specific examples of the impact on services, staff and patients from SLT participation and leadership in the Big CACTUS speech and language therapy trial in clinical settings. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this study?: Clinical services participating in research may benefit from improved clinical care for patients both during and after the study, an improved professional reputation, and increased research capacity and culture within the clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence should guide decisions in aphasia practice across the continuum of stroke care; however, evidence–practice gaps persist. This is particularly pertinent in the acute setting where 30% of people with stroke will have aphasia, and speech pathologists experience many challenges implementing evidence‐based practice. This has important consequences for people with aphasia and their close others, as well as speech pathologists working in acute settings. Aims: This study protocol details how we will target practice change using a behavioural approach, with the aim of promoting the uptake of synthesized evidence in aphasia management post‐stroke in the acute hospital setting. Methods & Procedures: We will conduct a mixed‐methods before‐and‐after study following the Knowledge‐to‐Action (KTA) framework. Researchers, speech pathologists and people with lived experience of aphasia will collaborate to identify and prioritize practice gaps, and develop and implement changes to clinical practice based on the Theoretical Domains Framework and Behaviour Change Wheel. Discussion: This study may provide a template for acute stroke services in how to use an implementation science approach to promote the application of synthesized evidence into routine clinical practice to ensure people with aphasia receive high‐quality services. Collaboration among researchers, healthcare providers, people with aphasia and their close others ensures that the identification and targeting of practice gaps are driven by theory, lived experience and the local context. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject: Synthesized evidence, such as clinical guidelines and consensus statements, provides the highest level of evidence to inform clinical practice, yet discrepancies between delivered care and evidence remain. This discrepancy is of note in the acute setting where clinicians report many challenges implementing the best available evidence, combined with a high proportion of people with stroke who will have aphasia (30%). There are many reasons why evidence is not put into practice, and efforts to change clinical practice need to consider these barriers when developing interventions. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: This study protocol details an implementation science approach to affect clinical practice change, informed by a collaboration of key stakeholders (researchers, speech pathologists, and people with aphasia and their close others). Protocol papers that focus on bridging the gap between evidence and practice are uncommon in communication disorders; moreover, explicit prioritization of practice gaps is a critical but often overlooked aspect of promoting evidence‐based practice. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: This protocol provides insights into how one study site identified and prioritized evidence–practice gaps using a participatory approach. We provide insights into how clinical practice change may occur by describing how we plan to identify priority evidence–practice gaps and develop an intervention to improve the use of aphasia evidence in routine practice. This protocol aims to share an implementation science approach to service improvement that may be replicated across other services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Communication difficulties are common in people with dementia, and often present from an early stage. However, direct treatment options for people with dementia that positively influence their daily communication are scarce. Aims: To evaluate the potential impact and feasibility of a personalized logopaedic intervention. Methods & Procedures: A total of 40 community‐dwelling persons with dementia and their caregivers were recruited. Five experienced speech and language therapists (SLTs) delivered the six‐session Com‐mens intervention at home. Com‐mens aims to improve positive communication between people with dementia and their primary caregivers and comprises five elements: interactive history‐taking, dynamic observational assessment, education about the consequences of dementia on communication, development and use of personalized communication tools, use motivational, and person‐centred strategies by the SLT. We conducted a single‐group mixed‐methods pilot study with five measurements: baseline, directly after intervention, and at 3, 6 and 9 months follow‐up. Semi‐structured interviews and questionnaires for Experienced Communication in Dementia, quality of life, psychological well‐being and caregiver burden were conducted. Process evaluation was performed by interviewing participants, drop‐outs, SLTs and other stakeholders. Outcomes & Results: A total of 32 dyads completed the intervention. Repeated measures analyses revealed no significant changes over time. In the interviews, participants reported a positive impact on their feelings, increased communication skills and better coping with the diagnosis. Participants would recommend the intervention to others. Facilitators were timely delivery, personalized content and adequate reimbursement. Barriers were unfamiliarity with Com‐mens among referrers, an overburdened caregiver or disrupted family relationships. Conclusions & Implications: This newly developed logopaedic intervention is feasible and has a perceived positive impact on both people with dementia and their caregivers, which is confirmed by a stable pattern over a period of 1 year. Future comparative studies are needed to test the effectiveness of personalized interventions in this patient population. What this paper adds: What is already known on the subject?: SLTs are experts in the field of communication, but even though communication problems are common between people with dementia and their caregivers, there is a lack of logopaedic guidelines and materials for the direct treatment for this population. Interventions that are available either focus on (professional) caregivers only or aim to enhance cognitive functioning and do not target on joined communication. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge?: A newly developed intervention called Com‐mens can be provided by trained SLTs and takes an average of six 1‐h sessions. The intervention is perceived to be valuable and feasible for people with dementia and their caregivers, by the participants themselves, as well as by healthcare professionals and other stakeholders. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Dissemination of this intervention will give SLTs skills, tools and materials to provide meaningful care to home‐dwelling persons with dementia and their caregivers. Also, persons with dementia and their caregivers will receive education and materials that can help them increase their understanding of communication problems, enhance their communication skills and better cope with the communication problems that result from dementia. We consider the Com‐mens intervention to be a valuable addition to the field of speech language therapy and dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dysphagia impacts negatively on quality of life, however there is little in‐depth qualitative research on these impacts from the perspective of people with dysphagia. Aims: To examine the lived experiences and views of people with lifelong or ongoing dysphagia on the impacts of dysphagia and its interventions on quality of life, and barriers and facilitators to improved quality of life related to mealtimes. Methods & Procedures: Nine adults with lifelong or acquired chronic dysphagia engaged in in‐depth interviews and a mealtime observation. The observations were recorded and scored using the Dysphagia Disorders Survey (DDS). Interviews were recorded, transcribed and de‐identified before content thematic and narrative analysis, and verification of researcher interpretations. Outcomes & Results: Participants presented with mild to severe dysphagia as assessed by the DDS. They viewed that dysphagia and its interventions reduced their quality of life and that they had 'paid a high price' in terms of having reduced physical safety, reduced choice and control, poor mealtime experiences, and poor social engagement. As part of their management of dysphagia, participants identified several barriers to and facilitators for improved quality of life including: being involved in the design of their meals, being adaptable, having ownership of swallowing difficulties, managing the perceptions of others and resisting changes to oral intake. Conclusions & Implications: This research improves understanding of the primary concerns of people with dysphagia about their mealtime experiences and factors impacting on their quality of life. Clinicians working with people with dysphagia need to consider how self‐determination, autonomy and freedom of choice could be improved through involvement in food design of texture‐modified foods. It is important that future research considers the views of health professionals on how these findings could impact on policy and practice particularly in ways to address the barriers and enhance facilitators to improved quality of life for people with dysphagia. What this paper adds: What is already known on the subject: Dysphagia impacts on quality of life, particularly as the severity of the dysphagia increases. Research to date has focused on people with dysphagia associated with an acquired health condition and has used quantitative assessment methods to measure quality of life. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: This study provides a qualitative examination of the impacts of dysphagia on quality of life from the perspective of people with lifelong or ongoing acquired dysphagia and their supporters. This study also provides qualitative insights into the barriers and facilitators of mealtime‐related quality of life. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Health professionals should engage in open communication with their clients with dysphagia regarding the impacts of dysphagia on their lifestyle and quality of life. By considering these impacts, health professionals may be able to recommend interventions that are more acceptable to the person with the dysphagia which may have a positive impact on their mealtime experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acquired laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is a rare condition that causes breathlessness and dyspnoea. Patients have reconstructive airway surgery to improve their breathing difficulties, but both LTS and the surgery can cause voice difficulties. The existing evidence base for management of voice difficulties for adults with LTS focuses on symptoms. There is limited information to provide clinical guidance for speech and language therapists (SLTs) and a limited understanding of the impact of voice changes on adults with LTS. Aim: To investigate the lived experience of adults with laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS), who have had reconstructive surgery; here focussing on voice concerns with the aim of guiding clinical care for SLTs. Methods and Procedures: A phenomenological, qualitative study design was used. Focus groups and semi‐structured interviews were completed with adults living with LTS who had had reconstructive surgery. Audio recordings were transcribed and inductive thematic analysis was used by the research team to identify themes and sub‐themes. Outcomes and Results: A total of 24 participants (five focus groups and two interviews) took part in the study before thematic saturation was identified in analysis. Three main themes were identified specific to the experience of living with LTS: the Medical, Physical and Emotional journey. All participants referenced voice difficulties as they related to each of these overall themes. Sub‐themes directly related to voice included experience of surgery, information provision, staff expertise/complacency, symptoms, symptom management, identity, support networks, impact on life and living with a chronic condition. Conclusions and Implications: In this qualitative study participants have described the integral part voice difficulties play in their lived experience of LTS and reconstructive surgery. This is considered in the context of their clinical care and the need for individualised management and information provision throughout the course of their condition. The broader research literature relating to voice difficulties is explored with links made to people with LTS and recommendations made for future research into people living with LTS and dysphonia. What this paper adds: What is already known on this subject: Adults with laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) experience voice changes as a result of their condition, and the surgeries necessary as a treatment. These changes can lead to altered pitch, vocal fatigue, loss of pitch range and loss of volume control. Although there are known psychosocial implications both to living with a chronic condition and voice difficulties there has been no research exploring this in adults with LTS, and there is minimal clinical guidance for speech and language therapists (SLTs) working with these patients. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: This research is the first study to explore the lived experience of adults with LTS who undergo reconstructive surgery, focusing on their voice concerns. This study demonstrates the multifactorial impacts of voice changes on all aspects of the lives of adults with LTS and the need for individualised information provision and clinical care to help support them. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Adults with LTS want expert SLTs to facilitate their care and support them throughout their LTS journey alongside other support networks. They want to be carefully prepared for reconstructive surgery and given clear information about symptoms and management of their voice difficulties. This has led to the reorganisation of the care pathway at our centre, and the introduction of a patient‐led pretreatment session. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Online knowledge translation (KT) approaches are becoming increasingly prevalent within healthcare due to their accessibility and facilitation of international support networks. Online platforms enable timely and far‐reaching dissemination of current evidence and best‐practice recommendations. Although there is potential to improve the uptake of rehabilitation guidelines, it is essential to consider the acceptability of online approaches to healthcare professionals to ensure their successful integration within everyday clinical settings. Aims: To establish the prospective acceptability of a theoretically informed online intervention for speech pathologists, Aphasia Nexus: Connecting Evidence to Practice, that aims to facilitate the implementation of aphasia best practice. Methods & Procedures: A mixed‐methods multinational electronic survey based on the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA) completed by aphasia researchers and clinicians. Outcomes & Results: A total of 43 participants completed the survey with 91% (n = 39) indicating that they would use Aphasia Nexus. Understanding the intervention and how it works (intervention coherence as per the TFA) was the key factor influencing the likelihood of integration within everyday clinical practice. Participants identified potential areas where the intervention could influence service change and also recommended further design and content changes to improve the intervention. Conclusions & Implications: Aphasia Nexus is an acceptable platform for further feasibility testing in the form of a pilot trial within an Australian‐based health service. The study progresses the theory of TFA as it was a valuable framework facilitating the identification of prominent factors influencing acceptability. The study also informs further intervention refinements in preparation for the next stage of research. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: Online strategies have the potential to enhance KT and promote the uptake of rehabilitation guidelines. An online intervention, however, can only be effective if implemented well. For this reason, it is essential to establish the acceptability of online interventions to the intended recipients and therefore increase the likelihood of successful implementation. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: This study used a theoretically based framework to establish the acceptability of an online implementation intervention, Aphasia Nexus, to multinational aphasia clinicians and researchers. It demonstrated the value in identifying the prominent factors influencing acceptability to inform further intervention refinements and warrant continuing research. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Speech pathologists should use online platforms to drive the implementation of best practice on an international scale. It is important for clinicians to have an in‐depth understanding of online interventions and how they work to enhance their successful uptake into routine clinical practice. Aphasia Nexus is an acceptable online platform for implementing best practice in aphasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increasing attention is paid to the effectiveness of high‐intensity speech intervention in children with a cleft (lip and) palate (CP±L). It is, however, unknown if high‐intensity intervention is acceptable to the intervention recipients. Parents have an integral role in supporting their children with intervention highlighting the importance of intervention acceptability to parents. Aims: To compare the retrospective acceptability of high‐intensity speech intervention (10 1‐hr speech therapy sessions divided over 2 weeks) with the retrospective acceptability of low‐intensity speech intervention (10 1‐hr speech therapy sessions divided over 10 weeks) for children with a CP±L from the parents' point of view. Methods & Procedures: Twelve parents of 12 children, aged 6–0 years who received high‐intensity speech intervention (n = 6) or low‐intensity speech intervention (n = 6), were invited to participate in this study. Seven parents (n = 3 in the high‐intensity group and n = 4 in the low‐intensity group) agreed to participate (total response rate: 7/12, 58.33%). A qualitative study design using semi‐structured interviews was applied. To investigate the retrospective acceptability of the two intervention intensities, deductive coding according to the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA) was used. Outcomes & Results: With regard to the TFA construct 'affective attitude', results demonstrated that parents had positive feelings about the provided speech intervention regardless of the intensity. Parents of children who received high‐intensity speech intervention reported two specific benefits related to the high intervention intensity: (1) it improved their relationship with the speech‐language pathologist and (2) it improved their child's ability to make self‐corrections in his/her speech. Even though both high‐intensive and low‐intensity speech intervention were considered burdensome (TFA construct 'burden'), parents were less likely to drop out of high‐intensity intervention because the total intervention period was kept short. Conclusions & Implications: In conclusion, high‐intensity speech intervention seemed acceptable to parents. More positive codes were identified for some of the TFA constructs in the high‐intensity intervention group than in the low‐intensity intervention group. Considering that some parents doubted their self‐efficacy to participate in high‐intensity speech intervention, speech‐language pathologists need to counsel them so that they can adhere to the high intervention intensity. Future studies should investigate whether high‐intensity speech intervention is also acceptable to the children who receive the intervention and to the speech‐language pathologists who deliver the intervention. What this paper adds: What is already known on this subject: Increasing attention is paid to the effectiveness of high‐intensity speech intervention in children with a cleft (lip and) palate (CP±L). Different quantitative studies have shown positive speech outcomes after high‐intensity cleft speech intervention. Despite this increasing attention to high‐intensity speech intervention, it is unknown whether high‐intensity intervention is also acceptable to the intervention recipients. This study compared the retrospective acceptability of high‐intensity speech intervention (10 1‐hour speech therapy sessions divided over 2 weeks) with the retrospective acceptability of low‐intensity speech intervention (10 1‐hour speech therapy sessions divided over 10 weeks) in children with a CP±L from the parents' point of view. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: More positive codes were identified for some of the TFA constructs in the high‐intensity intervention group than in the low‐intensity intervention group. Nevertheless, some parents doubted their self‐efficacy to participate in high‐intensity speech intervention. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: The findings of this study forces us to reconsider the traditional cleft speech intervention delivery models which usually consist of low‐intensity intervention. Speech‐language pathologists need to counsel parents and so that they can adhere to the high intervention intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Improving the quality of life for individuals with severe dysphagia is a priority when considering new areas of dysphagia management, especially if this increases opportunities to participate in social activities associated with eating and drinking. Edible foam is widely researched and available in the food industry; however, the use of edible foam within the field of dysphagia remains unexplored. Despite no research published on effectiveness and safety, a commercial product currently on the market is widely distributed across both Europe and the UK, including 28 NHS Trusts, suggesting that it is increasingly being used in clinical practice. Aims: To explore the perceptions and experiences of healthcare professionals on the use of stabilized edible foam (SEF) with adults with severe dysphagia in order to inform areas for future research in this novel dysphagia intervention. Methods & Procedures: Healthcare professionals were recruited using purposeful sampling and snowballing technique. A total of 56 healthcare professionals were initially approached, of which 10 completed the semi‐structured interviews. Interview questions were developed from a topic guide and a pilot questionnaire. Outcomes & Results: Thematic analysis was used to identify three themes: potential impact, consideration of risk and perceived experiences. Overarching each of these themes was the element of the unknown. Conclusions & Implications: Use of SEF with adults with dysphagia is in its infancy. Whilst results indicate that some clinicians are embracing this novel approach, others express concerns. Therefore, further research is needed, particularly in relation of direct experience of individuals and contra‐indications. What this paper adds: What is already known on the subject: The use of SEF with individuals with swallowing problems is a relatively novel area of dysphagia intervention in the UK. There are currently no published studies on its effectiveness and safety profile. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: This study provides valuable preliminary work into the area of SEF and adults with severe dysphagia, capturing the experience and perceptions of healthcare professions who have an awareness of SEF. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Increasing clinicians and researcher's awareness of this novel area of dysphagia management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early identification and intervention for hearing loss is important for supporting language development. Despite this, parents are required to overcome barriers to access hearing assessments for their children. Aims: To identify the enablers and barriers to accessing hearing assessments for Australian children identified by their parents, and to compare between metropolitan, regional and rural areas. Methods & Procedures: This sequential, explanatory mixed‐methods study was undertaken online and included participants in metropolitan, regional and rural area of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. A total of 56 participants participated in the surveys, and 10 participated in semi‐structured interviews. Outcomes & Results: Participants in metropolitan areas were more likely to have services in their area; however, access to hearing assessment was related more to individual circumstances (including health literacy skills) rather than geographical location. Many participants experienced long wait times, reduced flexibility, and a lack of audiologists experienced in working with children. Conclusions & Implications: Barriers to hearing assessments (which assist with early identification and intervention for hearing loss) should be addressed so that children have access to clear auditory information to assist with their speech and language development. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: Poor audiological input can lead to poor speech, language and literacy outcomes for children. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge: Although previous research indicates that people in regional and remote locations experience difficulty accessing health services within a reasonable timeframe, in this study barriers were experienced regardless of geographical location, and were dependent on individual circumstances. Many parents are unaware of the impact of hearing on speech and language. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Further research might examine how health literacy affects access to hearing assessment. Parents shared several potential solutions to these access barriers which should be considered by service providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Communication of people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD) is negatively affected. For PwPD with communication difficulties, it is important to use self‐assessment tools as a primary assessment approach to evaluate their perspectives on communication. It is also important to evaluate PwPDs with self‐assessment scales in order to determine in which situations their communicative effectiveness is affected and to include them in the intervention plan. Aims: To create a Turkish version of the Communicative Effectiveness Survey‐Revised (CES‐R), to examine its validity and reliability, and to investigate its applicability in PwPD. Method: The study included 106 PwPD and 106 healthy participants. The original form of the CES‐R was adapted into Turkish according to international guidelines. Every participant completed the Turkish version of CES‐R and the Voice Handicap Index‐10 form. The adapted scale was retested 2 weeks later. Outcomes and Results: Because the Kaiser‐Meyer‐Olkin coefficient was 0.956 in the exploratory factor analysis of the CES‐R and p < 0.01 for Bartlett's Test, the data set is 'perfectly' suitable for factor analysis. In the explanatory factor analysis applied in the CES‐R scale, the total explanatory ratio of the two dimensions was determined as 63.5%, and the validity condition was met. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.958 in the PwPD group and 0.955 in the control group and the scale was found to be at the 'high reliability' level. Conclusion: The CES‐R is a valid, reliable, and useable self‐assessment scale for Turkish PwPD. Furthermore, this adaptation research was developed to assess possible communication difficulties for PwPD. With this tool, difficulties in communication skills that can be identified by a comprehensive evaluation should also be studied in the intervention processes. What this paper adds: What is already known on the subject: Self‐assessment tools are suggested as a primary use when evaluating people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD) with communication difficulties. The CES‐R is one of these self‐assessment scales. However, the validity and reliability study of the Communicative Effectiveness Survey‐Revised (CES‐R) in Turkish has not been conducted. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: This study demonstrates the validity and reliability of the Turkish CES‐R scale and its applicability to PwPD. Furthermore, this scale can be used in assessment procedures for possible communication difficulties for PwPD. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: The scale, which is unidimensional in the literature, was found to have two dimensions with eigenvalues > 1 in the Discovery Factor analysis in this study. The first dimension was named communication in general situations (CGS) and the second dimension was named communication in difficult situations (CDS). It is thought that this scale will be useful in research and clinics for the comprehensive assessment of PwPD with communication difficulties before and after treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Individuals with developmental language disorder or Williams syndrome are reported to use more gestures than individuals with typical development. However, these two groups differ considerably in visuospatial and language skills, two skills that are hypothesized to shape gesture rate. Aims: We first examined whether children with both developmental language disorder and children Williams syndrome do indeed use more gestures. Our second aim was to disentangle the role of vocabulary and visuospatial skills in the use of supplementary gestures (i.e., containing unique information). To account for participant heterogeneity, analyses included both group comparisons and vocabulary and visuospatial skills at an individual level. As a third aim, the role of visuospatial skills was further examined in relation to gestures containing spatial content. Methods & Procedures: In a cross‐sectional group design, three participant groups watched and then retold a cartoon: children with typical development (n = 25), children with developmental language disorder (n = 25) and children/young people with Williams syndrome (n = 14). Their narrations were transcribed and hand gestures were coded based on gesture–speech integration (redundant, adds information to particular lexical items, gives information that is entirely absent from speech) and spatial content. Participants' expressive vocabulary and visuospatial skills were measured. Outcomes & Results: Between‐group comparisons showed that individuals with developmental language disorder or Williams syndrome did indeed use more gestures. Poisson loglinear modelling demonstrated that a relative higher use of supplementary gestures was determined by lower expressive vocabulary skills. Neither the group distinction nor visuospatial skills shaped the supplementary gesture rate nor spatial gesture rate. Conclusions & Implications: Regardless of neurodevelopmental condition or typical development, a higher use of supplementary gestures was influenced by expressive vocabulary skills. Children with lower vocabulary skills spontaneously capitalized on the multimodality of communication to express constituents that were not present in their verbal speech. This finding is a promising starting point for future gesture intervention studies examining whether implicit modelling of gesture use can encourage gestures even more in these children and if this allows them to achieve higher linguistic complexity. On a methodological note, the observed intra‐group skill variability demonstrates that group comparisons need to be complemented with correlational measures accounting for skills at an individual level. What this paper adds: What is already known on the subject: Children with developmental language disorder and children with Williams syndrome are more inclined to use gestures than typically developing children. Research conducted in adults with typical development points towards the role of lexical and visuospatial skills in gesture use, but it is unclear how these skills shape gesture use in children with atypical development. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: This study compares the rate of gestures that convey meaning that is not expressed in speech between the three aforementioned populations. Novel is the inclusion of the group distinction, individual lexical skills, and visuospatial skills in one encompassing statistical model. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: The inclination to use gestures that replace speech is related to lexical skills. Visuospatial skills do not seem to play a role and should not be considered as a factor when thinking about gesture intervention. Understanding how gestures relate to specific skills is a first step to understanding how gesture interventions can bolster language production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early childhood teachers (ECTs) play a significant role in equipping children with oral language and emergent literacy skills ahead of school entry. They are well positioned to play a vital role in ensuring preschool children receive a high‐quality preschool curriculum to prepare them for later literacy learning. Aims: The purpose of this study was to explore early career ECTs' views and confidence regarding their role in providing preschoolers with oral language and emergent literacy support and to examine their perceptions of their preservice preparation. Methods & Procedures: Nine Australian early career ECTs were recruited via purposive sampling for an in‐depth, semi‐structured interview. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic analysis approach. Outcomes & Results: Participants attached strong significance to their role in facilitating children's oral language growth and emergent literacy skills and reported a range of practices to support children's learning. However, they rarely referred to using established language facilitation strategies or using dialogic book reading prompts. Further, emergent literacy concepts such as phonological awareness and print awareness were not routinely described as features of participants' classroom activities. Participants did not consistently make a clear conceptual distinction between the constructs of oral language and emergent literacy and often used these terms interchangeably. Notably, participants indicated that they did not feel confident in their ability to identify preschool children who were not meeting developmental language milestones and reported that they felt poorly equipped to do so by their preservice training. Conclusions & Implications: ECTs' strong willingness to support preschool children's oral language and emergent literacy skills may be hindered by gaps in their knowledge; these may contribute to important and missed opportunities for identifying and supporting preschoolers' oral language and emergent literacy growth. What this paper adds: What is already known on this subject?: High‐quality learning experiences in preschool are important for maximising preschoolers' oral language and emergent literacy growth. Early childhood teachers can play an important role in facilitating this development and preparing children for later literacy learning. What this paper adds to existing knowledge?: The study findings provide insight into ECTs' perceptions of their role and support in developing children's oral language and emergent literacy skills. The results indicated ECTs did not feel confident with their knowledge of children's language milestones or identifying children with language difficulties. Participants reported that their preservice training left them underprepared in the area of oral language. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: ECTs demonstrated a strong willingness to support preschoolers' oral language and emergent literacy skills. However, their self‐reported knowledge gaps and low confidence may have implications for the early detection of children who are not reaching language developmental milestones in a timely way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In head and neck cancer, many tools exist to measure speech impairment, but few evaluate the impact on communication abilities. Some self‐administered questionnaires are available to assess general activity limitations including communication. Others are not validated in oncology. These different tools result in scores that does not provide an accurate measure of the communication limitations perceived by the patients. Aim: To develop a holistic score measuring the functional impact of speech disorders on communication in patients treated for oral or oropharyngeal cancer, in two steps: its construction and its validation. Methods & Procedures: Patients treated for oral/oropharyngeal cancer filled six self‐questionnaires: two about communicative dynamics (ECVB and DIP), two assessing speech function (PHI and CHI) and two relating to quality of life (EORTC QLQ‐C30 and EORTC QLQ‐H&N35). A total of 174 items were initially collected. A dimensionality reduction methodology was then applied. Face validity analysis led to eliminate non‐relevant items by surveying a panel of nine experts from communication‐related disciplines (linguistics, medicine, speech pathology, computer science). Construct validity analysis led to eliminate redundant and insufficiently variable items. Finally, the holistic communication score was elaborated by principal component factor and validated using cross‐validation and latent profile analysis. Outcomes & Results: A total of 25 patients filled the questionnaires (median age = 67 years, EIQ = 12; 15 men, 10 women; oral cavity = 14, oropharynx = 10, two locations = 1). After face validity analysis, 44 items were retained (κ > 0.80). Four additional items were excluded because of a very high correlation (r > 0.90) with other items presenting a better dispersion. A total of 40 items were finally included in the factor analysis. A post‐analysis score prediction was performed (mean = 100; SD = 10). A total of 24 items are finally retained for the construction of the holistic communication score (HoCoS): 19 items from questionnaires assessing communicative dynamics (13 from the ECVB and six from the DIP), four items from a perceived speech impairment questionnaire (PHI) and one from a quality‐of‐life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ‐H&N35). The reliability is good (five‐fold cross‐validation: rs = 0.91) and the complementary latent profile analysis shows a good validity of the HoCoS, clustering subjects by level of communication performance. Conclusions & Implications: A global score allowing a measure of the impact of the speech disorder on communication was developed. It fills the lack of this type of score in head and neck oncology and allows the better understanding of the functional and psychosocial consequences of the pathology in the patients' follow‐up. What this paper adds: What is already known on the subject: Because of their anatomical location, head and neck cancer degrades the speech abilities. Few tools currently allow the assessment of the impact of the speech disorder on communication abilities. In ENT oncology, self‐administered questionnaires are available to assess activity limitations and participation restrictions (International Classification of Functioning (ICF)—WHO). Other tools from the field of neurology allow an evaluation of communication dynamics. But these different tools, constructed by items, give global additive or averaged scores. This implies an identical weighting of each item, resulting in global scores that are not very representative of the communication limitations really perceived by the patients. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: A new global holistic score allowing a measurement of the impact of speech impairment on communication after treatment of oral or oropharyngeal cancer has been developed. The methodology of its construction allows a better reflection of the symptomatological, pragmatic and psychosocial elements leading to a degradation of communication abilities. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: The developed HoCoS score fills the gap in the absence of this type of tool in head and neck oncology. It may allow a better understanding of the factors involved in the functional and psychosocial limitations of these patients, and better customize their follow‐up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Written communication has become an increasingly important part of everyday life in social, educational and professional spheres. The substantial increase in writing via the internet and mobile technologies provides both an opportunity for social engagement and distinct challenges for people with aphasia. Within the current literature there has been limited research into the lived experiences of people with aphasia of their writing difficulties and how these affect their ability to communicate. Aims: This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences of people with aphasia of living with language‐related writing difficulties and the impact of these on their lives. Methods & Procedures: Eight people with post‐stroke aphasia and writing difficulties took part in semi‐structured interviews. The interviews were analysed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis. Outcomes & Results: Two themes were found in the data. The first theme was a gradual and effortful improvement to writing: Participants described how writing had improved since their stroke due to strategies and support, but they still found writing to be difficult and frustrating and described many barriers to writing. The second theme was the importance of writing for fulfilling adult social roles: Participants found writing to be important for communicating with family, friends and organizations, but their participation in society and self‐esteem and confidence were impacted by writing difficulties; reduced social roles meant reduced need for writing, but participants were still motivated to work towards writing goals. Conclusions & Implications: The findings demonstrate the emerging importance of writing skills for people with aphasia with respect to communication, well‐being, participation and inclusion in society, and carrying out social roles. They provide an insight into the process of improvement, including the difficulties, facilitators and barriers. Implications for speech and language therapy assessment and management are discussed. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: People with aphasia have difficulties with writing that can affect their ability to communicate. A small body of qualitative research has provided insights into individuals' experiences of literacy difficulties. More research is needed to understand the writing experiences of people with aphasia to help design appropriate assessments and interventions. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: Participants experienced gradual and effortful improvement since their stroke. They felt negative about aspects of their writing, including speed, accuracy and range of vocabulary. Writing was facilitated through assistive technologies, spelling practice and support from others; barriers included technology, lack of time, stroke‐related symptoms and others' lack of awareness about aphasia. Participants considered writing skills to be important, particularly for communication, carrying out adult social roles and participating in society, and were therefore still working towards goals related to everyday writing activities. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: This study suggests that speech and language therapy assessment should include interviewing participants about their activities, strengths, difficulties, facilitators and barriers in writing, and informal assessment of a range of functional writing tasks. Intervention should be tailored to the individual's needs. This should include meaningful activities that relate to functional everyday writing and, where appropriate, self‐management, compensatory technologies and group approaches, while making use of existing strategies identified by the individual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There has been a significant uptake in the use of telepractice during the coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2 (COVID‐19) pandemic. This study explored the experiences of speech and language therapists (SLTs), assistants (SLTAs) and parents with telepractice during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Aims: (1) To identify factors that influenced success of telepractice; and (2) to describe clinicians' and parents' preferences for the future mode of service delivery for preschoolers with communication disorders. Methods & Procedures: The study was conducted in partnership with one publicly funded programme in Ontario, Canada, that offered services to preschoolers with speech, language and communication needs at no cost. SLTs (N = 13), assistants (N = 3) and parents (N = 13) shared their experiences and perspectives during semi‐structured videoconference interviews. Outcomes & Results: Factors that influenced the success of telepractice were reported in three categories: the setting (i.e., where and how telepractice was being delivered); the nature of telepractice (i.e., the services that were provided via telepractice); and the individuals (i.e., who was involved in telepractice). These factors were reported to interact with each other. As the needs for each child and family are unique, parents and clinicians reported a preference for a hybrid and flexible service delivery model in the future. Conclusions & Implications: The themes identified in this study can be used by clinicians and managers to consider factors that influence the success of telepractice for children and families. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject?: Studies conducted before the COVID‐19 pandemic showed that telepractice was an effective and acceptable service approach. However, some clinicians and parents reported wanting to resume in‐person visits. The provision of telepractice services to families with children with communication disorders increased significantly during COVID‐19. What this paper adds to existing knowledge?: Parents and clinicians shared factors that influenced the success of telepractice during semi‐structured interviews. Factors were identified in three categories: the setting (i.e., where and how telepractice was being delivered); the nature of telepractice (i.e., the services that were provided via telepractice); and the individuals (i.e., who were involved in telepractice). As each child's and family's needs are unique, parents and clinicians reported a preference for a hybrid and flexible service delivery model in the future. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: SLTs and SLT managers can use the factors identified to discuss with parents and decide whether telepractice may be well suited to the needs of each child and family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Communication and cognitive impairments are known barriers to shared decision‐making. Most people diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) will develop a motor speech impairment over the disease course. Some will develop cognitive, linguistic or behavioural disturbance. Despite this, the impact of communication and cognitive impairment on personal healthcare decision‐making in MND is not well known. Aims: This exploratory, longitudinal study aimed to capture the perspectives of people living with MND (plwMND) and family members on managing their healthcare with, or in anticipation of, a communication impairment. Methods & Procedures: Semi‐structured interviews and functional assessments were conducted with plwMND and family members over one to three time points between December 2017 and January 2020. Participants were recruited from a specialist MND clinic using a maximum variation sampling approach. Interview transcripts were analysed using trajectory data analysis: a matrix‐based approach for thematic analysis of longitudinal data. The study was underpinned by interpretive descriptive methodology. Outcomes & Results: A total of 19 plwMND with a range of MND phenotypes and 15 family members were recruited. Disease progression and participant withdrawal resulted in attrition, however 12 plwMND and seven family members participated at all three time points. Consistent cognitive screening was not feasible, which limited the opportunity to explore the impact of cognitive change. An overarching theme 'Communicating takes effort' was identified and illustrates the efforts required to compensate for, or circumnavigate, impairments to maintain involvement in healthcare. Assistance from family and accommodation from healthcare professionals (HCPs) was needed for ongoing engagement. Where plwMND were dependent on alternative communication devices, this assistance was essential and primarily carried out by family members. Despite these efforts, the quality, quantity and accuracy of communication were sometimes compromised. Participants equated good communication with receiving good healthcare, and some expressed anxiety in the anticipation of being unable to express their needs to healthcare workers. Conclusion & Implications: Communication impairment has a direct impact on healthcare involvement. This study demonstrates the effort required by plwMND and their carers to maintain or maximize ongoing involvement. This effort may not always be visible to HCPs. This information may prompt clinicians to consider the best ways to conduct clinical consultations to accommodate patients' abilities. Compromised communication experiences can be moderated by accommodations and support from HCPs and appropriate adjustments in the health system. Asking patients about their communication preferences and needs, allowing extra time and conducting multidisciplinary sessions are examples of such support. What this paper adds: What is already known on this subject?: Communication and cognitive impairments are known contributors to negative health outcomes and barriers to shared decision‐making generally. The existing literature in decision‐making in MND does not address the specific impact of these impairments on personal healthcare involvement for plwMND and their carers. What this paper adds to existing knowledge?: This paper reports the findings of a research project that interviewed 19 plwMND and 15 carers on one to three occasions over a 26‐month period to obtain their perspectives of the impact of communication on healthcare involvement. Whilst a priori the intention was to look at both communicative and cognitive decline, only the former was achieved. The effort and often 'invisible' activity undertaken to manage or maintain involvement in healthcare is identified. Communication impairment requires support and accommodation, otherwise healthcare involvement can be compromised. Results show participants may associate effective communication with good healthcare. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of the work?: Clinicians may wish to use these insights from plwMND and their carers to guide adjustments to their professional practice to maximize healthcare involvement for their patients. Tailored education for different healthcare groups is needed to improve understanding of MND‐related communication impairments and supportive strategies so that involvement in healthcare is not compromised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A disability studies approach seeks to understand and address political and social issues that affect disabled individuals. Disability studies scholars employ various models of disability to address and oppose the oppression and discrimination of disabled individuals. A disability studies approach, however, has largely been absent in studies that have investigated the lived experiences of people who stutter. Aim: To examine the understandings young adult South African men who stutter hold of whether, and in what way, stuttering may be considered to be a disability. Methods & Procedures: A total of 15 men who stutter, aged 20–39 years, participated in the study. Semi‐structured interviews and two focus groups discussions were conducted to collect data for the study. The data were analysed according to a phenomenological approach and the affective turn in social research. Outcomes & Results: The results indicated that some men in this study understood stuttering as a speech disorder that can be controlled, while other men constructed stuttering as a disability, subjectively positioning themselves either as disabled or non‐disabled men. Conclusions & Implications: This article emphasizes the importance of adopting a disability studies approach when examining the lived experiences of people who stutter and enhancing intervention strategies to adequately address the disabled needs of such individuals. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject?: The past few decades have seen researchers investigating the personal and social experiences of people who stutter. However, empirical studies exploring the disabling experiences of people who stutter have been absent from the existing body of knowledge. What this paper adds to existing knowledge?: This research aimed to provide comprehensive insight into the disabling experiences of people who stutter. The results gave an insight into the oppression and disablism experienced by people who stutter. More specifically, the findings demonstrated how individuals who stutter are disabled by oppressive communication practices that dominate spaces of education and employment. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Several men in this study attended speech therapy to gain control over their stuttering. For a number of participants, speech therapy proved a valuable experience, while others saw speech therapy as being out of touch with their lived reality of stuttering. Speech and language therapists are encouraged to employ a disability studies approach in order to enhance intervention strategies to adequately address the disabling needs of people who stutter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the importance of delivering speech and language therapy services to children who stutter (CWS), there are barriers to accessing speech and language therapy. One way to improve access for those who may otherwise be deprived of speech and language therapy services, including CWS, is through telepractice (TP). However, there is currently no evidence as to the viability of TP stuttering assessments for CWS. Aim: To investigate the validity and reliability, and acceptability of using a TP application to assess overt stuttering behaviour children aged 6–15 years. Methods & Procedure: A total of 30 CWS, aged between 6 and 15 years, were recruited from a speech therapy clinic in King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Children were divided into two testing conditions, either face‐to‐face (f2f)‐led or TP‐led testing, and the Stuttering Severity Instrument (SSI‐IV) was administered, percentage of syllables stuttered (%SS) was calculated, and severity ratings (SR) assigned, either via f2f or via TP using two laptops with webcams, video conference software and a broadband internet connection. Agreement and reliability of scoring in the two testing conditions were reported in addition to findings from questionnaires exploring children's and their caregivers' perceptions both before and immediately after the TP assessment was carried out. Outcome & Results: A total of 30 sessions were successfully carried out, with results revealing unsatisfactory levels of agreement when applying the Bland and Altman method. However, when discrepancies were found, these were comparable with those from traditional f2f studies. Generally, parents and children exhibited high levels of satisfaction and held a positive view regarding TP pre‐ and post‐assessment. Conclusions & Implications: The results of the study suggest that conducting an overt stuttering assessment via TP for 6–15‐year‐olds CWS is reliable and valid. Although the TP model posed some (mainly technical) challenges for executing the assessment, high levels of satisfaction were recorded by parents and children alike. The TP system and equipment chosen in this study has provided a basis for the delivery of TP overt stuttering assessment in a clinical setting, thus addressing the barriers to access that are present for CWS. These results are preliminary, but they can be seen as a building block for future research in TP assessment studies for CWS. What this paper adds: What is already known on the subject: Stuttering treatment via TP has been proven to be feasible and successful across a variety of treatment programs (e.g., Lidcombe, Camperdown). However, the viability of assessing stuttering via videoconferencing has never been explored in children. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: Preliminary support for the assessment of overt stuttering in CWS aged 6–15 years via video conferencing. The results justify larger scale studies of this service delivery method. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: The TP system and equipment chosen in this study has provided a basis for the delivery of TP overt stuttering assessment in a clinical setting, thus addressing the barriers to access that are present for CWS aged 6–15 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]