This is Part 1 of a three-part series on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This course will identify medication and complementary alternative medicine that may be used by patients to treat ALS. The importance of saliva management and mouth care as a critical component of their daily care will be discussed, along with strategies.

This is Part 2 of a three-part series on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This course will discuss the pros and cons of exercise, including expiratory muscle strength training, for individuals with ALS. Research and the ALS.org's view on exercise will be presented, as well as information about the efficacy of exercise for this population. (Part 1: Course #8717, Part 3: Course #8720)

This course offers an overview of issues related to assessment and intervention of speech sound disorders (SSD) in children, including the articulation-phonology distinction, interpretation of speech acquisition norms, and the Phonological Intervention Taxonomy. It will also discuss using parents as therapy extenders and the impact of SSD on children’s activities and participation.

Do dysphagia and aspiration inevitably lead to aspiration pneumonia? Our current evidence base suggests that the answer is, in fact, no. This course will enable clinicians to identify the clients on their caseload who are at higher risk for illness and to identify and address those risk factors that can be modified to reduce the likelihood of aspiration-related illness.

This case-based Pearson EBP Brief examined the clinical question, "For individuals who stutter, which behavioral treatment approaches are most effective in promoting fluent speech?" The related literature search & analysis, along with the resultant clinical decision & application to clinical practice, will also be discussed.

The course provides an overview of influences on early language development, with particular emphasis on pragmatics and semantics. Resources are provided for the speech-language pathologist to use in clinical practice.

The course will provide the learner with effective counseling strategies in helping clients manage their feelings. Information is provided on referral practice and continuing education opportunities.

This course defines cultural and linguistic competency and related terms, and presents factors that may affect the ability to provide culturally and linguistically competent care. This course addresses the need for self-awareness in culturally and linguistically competent medical care, the differences between disease and illness, and factors that may influence a patient's experience of illness as well as the health beliefs and practices of some cultures. An approach to eliciting a patient’s cultural health beliefs in order to aid delivery of culturally appropriate treatments will be discussed.

This course will review techniques for clear and effective communication as well as verbal and written communication with those from other cultures. This course will also discuss writing and selecting health materials and identifying assessment tools to ensure that clients understand the therapy services provided and have the skills needed to access, understand, and use health information.

This Research Watch Report focuses on some of the most current research in the area of intervention for aphasia; specifically, a modified version of constraint-induced language therapy, and usability and effectiveness of telepractice applications. Three articles are summarized and potential clinical applications of the evidence are discussed.