20Q With Ann Kummer CEU Courses for SLPs

This 20Q discusses the evidence supporting shorter, more frequent treatment sessions for mild-moderate speech sound disorders in the school setting. Treatment intensity factors related to this delivery model are reviewed as well as implementation suggestions.

Speech-language pathologists are expected by policy authorities to apply appropriate measures to protect patients, co-workers and themselves in clinical situations that may expose individuals to infectious microbes. This article provides practical guidelines for implementing infection control principles within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, including discussion of personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfecting and cleaning products.

This course provides an overview of Social Communication Disorder (SCD). Topics reviewed include common characteristics, methods for evaluation, differential diagnosis from autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and evidence-based interventions.

Using complexity as a guideline for careful selection of phonologic targets can support the re-organization of a child’s speech sound system. This 20Q discusses characteristics and components of the child's phonological system and of stimuli that should be considered when selecting targets, and how to apply the complexity approach via practical therapy strategies.

The issue of whether non-speech oral motor treatments (NSOMTs) should be used in speech therapy is still controversial. This course provides a quick overview of non-speech oral motor movements, and discusses statistics regarding the usage of this treatment approach by clinicians, the evidence related to NSOMTs for a few clinical areas, and suggestions for further reading.

How can SLPs find and organize effective digital therapy materials and keep children engaged when delivering services online? This course addresses these topics as well as selection of technology and teletherapy platforms, compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and relationship building with children and caregivers.

This course reviews the criteria currently used to diagnose AoS after stroke and other adult-onset neurologic conditions. A distinction is made between features that are part of the presentation profile, and features that are useful for differentiating AoS from aphasia with phonemic paraphasia and dysarthria. In addition, challenges of diagnosing AoS and useful assessment tools are discussed.

This course will address real-life scenarios therapists often come across when providing therapy to patients with voice disorders. Best referral practices and risk factors related to occupation and personality will be described. Evidence-based treatment strategies and principles - including for specific populations (e.g., pediatric, geriatric, performers) - are discussed, with particular focus on application of research.

Sensory integration and processing is foundational to human development, engagement and relationships. This course will discuss theories of sensory processing function and dysfunction, potential impact on communication skills, and considerations for SLPs' therapeutic practice.

This 2-part series is geared to public school SLPs who serve English Learners with potential language impairment. Part 1 describes research-based, practical strategies, such as gathering thorough case histories and utilizing universal indicators of language impairment, as part of a comprehensive pre-assessment process designed to help SLPs differentiate between language impairment and language difference in English learners with environmental challenges such as poverty, limited schooling experience, and lack of home literacy experience.