20Q With Ann Kummer CEU Courses for SLPs

An introduction to the vital knowledge and skills speech-language pathologists need to transition from clinical practice to successful business ownership. Key considerations for starting a private practice, alternative business opportunities, and strategies for developing a strong business model are discussed.

There is much controversy about the diagnosis of ankyloglossia and its potential effects on neonatal feeding and speech. Guidance regarding the diagnosis of ankyloglossia and a summary of current research regarding its potential effects on function are provided in this course.

An overview of newer research on human brain development with applications to the differential diagnosis of neurodevelopmental differences that affect acquisition of speech, language, and communication is provided in this course. Prevalence and comorbidities of developmental language disorders with other neurodevelopmental disorder diagnoses are described along with general guidelines for assessment and intervention.

Most SLPs have had little or no education or training in counseling skills and rely mostly on their intuition and suggestions from colleagues. The importance of learning counseling skills, counseling approaches and techniques (including "microskills" used in client interactions), and how to use them with various patient/family member populations and work settings are discussed in this course.

Interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP), its differences from other practice models, and its relationship to interprofessional education (IPE) are discussed in this course. The benefits and barriers to IPCP and key elements for integrating it into assessment and treatment in school settings are described.

SLPs hold comprehensive, valuable expertise in language unique among professionals working with school-aged children. This course encourages SLPs to embrace and share this expertise and apply it to therapy guided by five evidence-supported principles. Activities, templates and lesson plans for effective, efficient, educationally relevant small group and classroom-based intervention are described.

The importance of using IDSSI to provide standardized language when speaking about texture modification is discussed in this course. Comparisons of IDDSI and the National Dysphagia Diet (NDD), as well as IDDSI standards for pediatric vs. adult patients are presented. Additionally, potential barriers, solutions, and frequently asked questions related to implementation of IDDSI are described.

The nature of induced laryngeal obstruction, including comorbidities and causes, and the speech-language pathologist’s role in evaluation and treatment of this disorder are described in this course. Current diagnostic and treatment practices and research updates pertaining to the condition are discussed.

Communication strategies to support inpatients in the medical setting who are unable to speak are described in this course. Using principles of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), steps for evaluating patient capabilities, selecting and implementing strategies, equipment and materials, creating communication tools, and supporting partners and team members are discussed.

The rationale and methodology for assessing six core areas in school-aged stuttering children are described in this course. These areas include stuttering-related background information; speech, language, and temperament; speech fluency and stuttering behavior; reactions of the speaker and of people in the environment to stuttering; and adverse impact of stuttering.