This Research Watch Report focuses on some of the most current research in the area of acquired apraxia of speech (AOS). Three research articles are summarized and potential clinical applications of the evidence are discussed.

The clinical swallow evaluation, or bedside swallow evaluation, is sometimes a maligned component of dysphagia assessment because of its inability to definitively assess for aspiration. This course will provide participants with an understanding of the applications of clinical assessment, appropriate components for inclusion, and direction for forming conclusions and making recommendations based on clinical observations.

This course will discuss the importance of stressing academic language in addition to phonological awareness when preparing preschoolers with language impairments for later reading development. The purpose of academic language, its components, importance to later reading comprehension, development progression, typical cultural variation in preschoolers’ exposure to it, and ideas for teaching it will be included.

In order to treat the whole patient, we need an understanding of how stress and trauma impacts their treatment, as well as the importance of self-care to keep us sustained. Participants will be able to identify rising levels of stress, understand trauma, and employ self-care tools to bring them back to effectiveness and wholeness.

This course will describe the need for alternative management methods for community-dwelling individuals living with dementia, including creative quality of life approaches. Focus will be on the increasing research interest in music-based interventions to maintain and enhance function in daily settings.

Behavior is frequently the first sign of underlying emotional difficulties in early childhood. Many times these early symptoms are signs of diagnoses such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This course will provide information regarding ADHD, the common manifestations of ADHD symptoms, the neurological impact of ADHD, common interventions for ADHD and differential diagnosis.

Screening of swallow function is a well-regarded tool to identify individuals who are potentially at risk of dysphagia and in need of full swallow assessment, but the options are many and varied. This "back to basics" course will teach participants to make informed, evidence-based choices regarding appropriate screening tools specific to their particular patient populations and settings.

Intellectually capable young adults with autism have unique social, communication and emotional needs. This course will explore the socio-cultural aspects of equity and inclusion that individuals in this group encounter. It will also address the interrelationship of individual needs, therapy strategies, and the skills needed in order to navigate this socio-cultural context.

Once eligible for services, students need well-crafted goals in order to meet expectations. This course will address writing SMART goals for students from collected data.

This course will provide an overview of selective mutism, including causes, characteristics, and history, as well as components of assessment and diagnosis. It will discuss steps in intervention and treatment considerations such as promoting generalization and involving parents and other professionals.