Word-final repetitions and other behaviors that are commonly labeled “atypical” disfluencies provide a unique challenge for speech-language pathologists. There is limited research and few resources to guide evaluation and therapy. In this session, Kathleen Scaler Scott, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCS-SCF and Elyse Lambeth, M.S., CCC-SLP, BCS-SCF, provide a holistic framework to dive below the surface and identify factors that may be contributing to atypical disfluencies and use that information to implement holistic therapy to increase communicative efficiency and effectiveness. They discuss approaches to determine and reduce life impact and strategies for collaborating with clients and their families in assessment and treatment that is holistic and enhances communication efficiency. Case studies that highlight the process are shared.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion, participants will demonstrate the ability to

1. State three factors that may contribute to an individual’s ability to efficiently and effectively communicate.
2. State two life impacts that may be experienced by individuals with atypical disfluencies.
3. State two applications of evaluation information to creating goals for holistic treatment of atypical disfluencies

Disclosures:

Kathleen Scaler-Scott and Elyse Lambeth both received honoraria for this presentation. Kathleen and Elyse have no non-financial relationships to disclose.

Satisfactory Completion: 

Course takers must earn a passing score on a multiple-choice test in order to achieve satisfactory completion.