20Q With Ann Kummer CEU Courses for SLPs

Aspects of head and neck cancer (HNC) management relevant to the speech-language pathologist considering working with this population are described in this course. Specifically, HNC diagnosis and treatment, surgical and reconstructive options, communication and swallowing issues, treatment-related toxicities, and the impact on quality of life are addressed.

An overview of motor learning principles relevant to speech sound disorders, including principles related to structuring practice conditions and feedback, is provided in this course. Evidence from the literature is presented, and specific ways to incorporate these principles into both acquisition and retention phases of intervention are described.

Increasingly, SLPs are serving individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). MCI, cognitive reserve, and modifiable risk factors that can reduce the risk of dementia are defined and described in this course. An overview of cognitive/communicative deficits associated with MCI, as well as assessment and management considerations, is also provided.

Adults acquiring a new language often face challenges because their speech sounds different, and speech-language pathologists are uniquely suited to help them become more effective communicators in their new language. The nature of non-native accents, aspects of accents to address in therapy, and best practices for the ethical provision of elective accent modification services are described in this course.

Many speech-language pathology clinicians find speech science daunting and not applicable to their clinical practice. This course discusses why and how speech science is useful in understanding speech disorders and differences. Examples are provided of how to assess and treat speech disorders using speech science-based principles and techniques such as the source-filter theory and acoustic, physiologic and biofeedback measures.

Behaviors and developmental/educational impacts associated with auditory processing disorder (APD) are described in this course. Methods and tools for identifying APD, including a list of tests for assessment, as well as treatment strategies for APD are discussed.

This course discusses why it is important for SLPs to diagnose and intervene to help school-age children and adolescents who struggle with grammar and syntax. Information on the development of grammar and syntax, procedures for assessment, academic challenges for students with grammar/syntax impairments, and curriculum-based interventions are provided.

The definition of childhood trauma, the experiences that constitute trauma in a student’s life, and the concept of trauma-informed intervention are described in this course. Practical, hands-on suggestions are provided for strategies that support students with communication disorders who have experienced trauma, and activities to improve their social and executive function skills.

Depression and other mental health challenges are prevalent in individuals with aphasia. Recent research on the mental health status of individuals with aphasia, along with mental health and well-being screening options and basic counseling approaches that can be used by SLPs, are discussed in this 20Q.

Key processes in literacy development and tools for differentiating between typical and disordered written language are described in this course. In addition, brief descriptions of suggested intervention strategies and references to related resources are provided for further exploration.