20Q With Ann Kummer CEU Courses for SLPs

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.

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.