Communication Sciences and Disorders M.S. Students Present at the Premiere Conference for Speech, Language, and Hearing Practitioners and Scholars

by Margaret Savoie

This year the University of Mississippi’s communication sciences and disorders (CSD) graduate students and faculty were among 15,000 attendees at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Convention. The ASHA Convention is the principal annual professional education event for speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists. UM’s CSD department had 18 presentations at the convention this year.

Rawool Dr. Vishakha Rawool, chair of the CSD department said, “The chance to present at the AHSA convention provides students with opportunities to highlight their research, network with others who are conducting research in related areas, find future collaborators, improve their visibility within the field, and enhance opportunities for future research funding.”

For the CSD graduate program curriculum, a thesis is not required for students. However, even if some students are not planning on a research thesis, that does not mean research opportunities do not occur. Rebekah Rebekah Glaze, a CSD graduate student from Hattiesburg, MS, is a prime example of this. “Dr. Higdon assigned this media project for us to do with the larynx,” Glaze said. “A group of us on the project decided if we were going to do this, then we were going to do it right and started reaching out to graphic designers and engineers because Dr. Higdon wanted us to engineer a digital larynx that worked.”

Glaze came to UM after graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2015. She then took a gap period where she obtained her teaching license. “While teaching,” said Glaze, “there were just those little times that affirmed that this was what I wanted to do.”

“We presented our final product to Dr. Higdon, and she loved it and suggested to turn it in for ASHA,” said Glaze.

The team had some doubt about the likelihood that ASHA would accept a presentation on the digital larynx. “We all thought that there was no way it will get accepted because it’s not really a research project; we just built this thing,” said Glaze.

With a diverse staff made of clinical supervisors, researchers, professors, and more, the opportunities to get involved are never limited. Many of the presentations for ASHA are made by teams including mentors and students. “The teams, for ASHA, are usually from the same laboratory directed by an individual faculty member or they are from more than one laboratory directed by faculty members who are collaborating on the research project,” stated Rawool.

“The U Miss CSD graduate program is one of the top 100 programs in the country and is the top program in Mississippi,” said Rawool. The faculty, clinic, and supervisors help to bring new and exciting experiences to those in the graduate program.

“If you want to be involved in your program, it’s a great place to come and be involved. I jumped in and my ideas have been welcomed. It’s a very nurturing environment,” said Glaze.

Future hopes for the UM CSD program are to improve the quality and ranking of the program. Every year there are advances in both academic and clinical components of the program, made by staying up to date with current evidence and enriching clinical practicum with current technologies.

In order to present at ASHA, there is a required submission of a 1000-word summary of the proposal and a brief description of 120 words. The abstracts from the UM CSD presentations are listed below. Graduate students are shown in bold.

Barton, A., Kornisch, M., Ikuta, T., Park, H., & Lowe, R. (2021, Nov. 15). Prevalence of Hearing Loss in College Students in the United States: A Meta-Analysis (Technical Research, Virtual). 2021 ASHA Convention, Washington D.C., United States.

Track: Hearing, Tinnitus, And Vestibular Science

Abstract: NIHL among college students appears to be increasing. This may be challenging as students are required to listen to lectures in classrooms that may have sub-optimal listening environments. The purpose of the current study was to conduct a meta-analysis to examine the prevalence of hearing loss in college students and to emphasize the importance of detecting hearing loss at 6,000 Hz. Results indicate that the prevalence of hearing loss in students is 19%, while the prevalence of hearing loss at 6,000 Hz among students with a hearing impairment is 85%. Implementing hearing conservation programs may be advised to prevent hearing loss in students. It may also be beneficial to test hearing at 6,000 Hz in all students for better detection.

Chen, Y., Hao Y., & Zheng L. (2021, Nov. 15). Efficacy of International Tele-Practice Parent-training for Chinese Parents of Children with ASD (Conference Poster, Virtual). 2021 ASHA Convention, Washington D.C., United States.

Track: Telepractice

Abstract: There is a great service need for Chinese families with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), yet available services are very limited. To potentially address the need, we implemented an international tele-practice language-facilitating parent training program for three Chinese families of children with ASD residing in China. We found that both parents and children in the three families demonstrated gains after 6-12 sessions 1-hour weekly individual live video conferencing sessions. Parents showed improvements in techniques implementations, and children demonstrated progress in sentence complexity, lexical diversity, and frequency of communication initiations. Maintenance is generally achieved for both caregivers and children.

Cole, M., Hill, K., Banajee, N., Cristiano, J. D., Higdon, C., Harris, O., & O’Leary, M. (2021, Nov. 20). AAC Specialty Certification : Competencies & Ethics (1-Hour Seminar, In-Person). 2021 ASHA Convention, Washington D.C., United States.

Track: Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Abstract: The process for achieving Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Specialty Certification is under way! AAC is a unique area within the ASHA scope of practice. Effective AAC evaluation, funding procurement, and implementation requires a special set of expertise to deliver effectively (Hill, K., 2018). Ethical concerns arise when SLPs are under-trained in this area. The myriad of AAC choices and commercial nature of AAC further complicates evaluation/implementation which can cause SLP’s to become over reliant on commercial vendors for evaluation, decision making, and treatment plans. The American Board of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AB-AAC) will present a completed study identifying advanced clinical competencies related to AAC including survey results from SLPs clinically practicing in the area of AAC.

Culbertson, E., Park, H., Kornisch, M., & Ikuta, T. (2021, Nov. 15). Repetition and Retracing in Aphasia Across Discourse Types (Conference Poster, Virtual). 2021 ASHA Convention, Washington D.C., United States.

Track: Language Disorders in Adults

Abstract: Retraces and repetitions are important indicators of word finding difficulty, which can be influenced by the presence and type of aphasia, as well as cognitive-linguistic demands across different discourse elicitation tasks. This study examines the relationship between hesitations (retracing and repetition) and different discourse tasks in people with fluent and nonfluent aphasia and neurologically intact adults. By comparing six tasks from four discourse elicitation types across groups, we found that participants from all three groups produced more retraces and repetitions in the story-retelling task than the recount and sequential-picture-description tasks, but found no difference of the amount of retraces and repetition production between groups. We will discuss the possible explanations and clinical implication in the presentation.

Glaze, R., Culbertson, E., Hershberger, E., Ryan, M., & Higdon, C. (2021, Nov. 19). Interprofessional Collaboration for Patient Education and Clinical Training in Voice and Resonance (Conference Poster, Virtual). 2021 ASHA Convention, Washington D.C., United States.

Track: Leadership and Professional Issues

Abstract: Earlier research confirms that visual models and auditory input improve memory recall and other positive effects in regards to rehabilitation than just verbal cues alone (Chang & Bourgeois, 2019). The purpose of this research was to create a model of the larynx that would encompass several learning modalities (visual, auditory, and kinesthetic). As a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic, there is a necessity to have resources that can easily be used in various settings such as anatomical visual models. With this 3D digital and physical model larynx project, SLPs are able to accommodate various learning needs, as well meet the needs of different clinical settings.

Harper, C., Kornisch, M., & Lowe, R. (2021, Nov. 15) Early Intervention Service Delivery Models: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (Technical Research, Virtual). 2021 ASHA Convention, Washington D.C., United States.

Track: Telepractice

Abstract: Despite growing advances, little research has examined telepractice as a method of early intervention service delivery from an economic perspective. Early intervention services are typically conducted using a face-to-face service delivery model in which providers travel to families’ homes. A hybrid service delivery model would reduce travel for the provider by allowing early intervention services to be administered partially through telepractice. This may reduce costs for early intervention providers, which may allow for the provision of more services in areas of disparities, such as rural Mississippi. The purpose of the present study was to compare models of service delivery for early intervention in Mississippi in order to determine the most cost-effective service delivery model of early intervention.

Harper, C., Kornisch, M., Lowe, R., & Thome, E. K. (2021, Nov. 15). A Comparison of Early Intervention Models: Traditional Services vs. Hybrid Telepractice Services (Technical Research, Virtual). 2021 ASHA Convention, Washington D.C., United States.

Track: Telepractice

Abstract: Research suggests that telehealth services could allow SLPs to perform intervention in difficult-to-reach areas without travel. This may enable SLPs to serve more children and families, while also reducing time and expenses. Therefore, preliminary results of this present pilot study aim to determine the efficacy of hybrid services (i.e., a combination of telehealth and in-person service delivery) in early intervention compared to the traditional model of service delivery. Overall, between-group results suggest that children who received hybrid services reached the similar levels of performance as children who received traditional therapy, with the exception of play skills. Within-group results suggest that both groups improved following treatment, although children in the in-person group experienced more significant improvements than the hybrid group.

Higdon, C., & Nunez, L. (2021, Nov. 15). Preparing a Collaborative Practice Ready Workforce: Report on IPE/IPP in Academic Programs (1-Hour Seminar, Virtual). 2021 ASHA Convention, Washington D.C., United States.

Track: Models of Academic and Clinical Education

Abstract: This session will present information collected by CAPCSD and ASHA on the implementation of IPE/IPP approaches currently employed by CSD academic programs and how these practices align with established best practices for IPE/IPP. Attendees will discuss the data and information in the context of how to advance interprofessional education and practice at their institution along with opportunities for IPE/IPP outcomes assessment research. This session will also explore the perspective and role of professional associations (CAPCSD and ASHA) in promoting IPE/IPP as a priority for academic programs and clinical sites and available resources that foster best practice for preparing a collaborative practice workforce.

McKnight, P., Snyder, G., & Ryan, M. (2021, Nov. 15). Effects of Advocate Disclosure on Perceptions of an Adolescent Female Who Stutters (Conference Poster, Virtual). 2021 ASHA Convention, Washington D.C., United States.

Track: Fluency

Abstract: Research indicates that both children and adults who stutter are commonly attributed negative speech skills, personal characteristics, and stereotypes by listeners as a result of their speech. Self-disclosure offers the stuttering community a means of acknowledging and sharing their stuttering with a listener and has been shown to reduce negative perceptions. Furthermore, select advocate disclosures have also been found to yield beneficial results for a male child who stutters. This study expands upon previous research and examines the effects of a father disclosure, mother disclosure, brother disclosure, sister disclosure, female teacher disclosure, and no disclosure on perceptions of an adolescent female who stutters. Results and clinical implications are discussed.

Ponthier, R., Kornisch, M., Lowe, R., & Thome, E. K. (2021, Nov. 15) Early Intervention Service Delivery via a Hybrid Telepractice Model: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Technical Research, Virtual). 2021 ASHA Convention, Washington D.C., United States.

Track: Telepractice

Abstract: EI service providers often face challenges when providing face-to-face services. One potential solution is the use of teletherapy, although this form of service delivery poses other unique challenges. Therefore, the use of a hybrid approach (face-to-face therapy and teletherapy) may offer solutions to the concerns raised by both types of service delivery. However, little research has examined the effectiveness of EI services using a hybrid approach. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of hybrid EI services. Specifically, the present study examined differences among children with and without ASD, as individuals with ASD often receive EI services. Results of this study suggest that children with ASD will likely benefit from more in-person therapy sessions to promote language skills.

Rawool, V., & Campbell, C. (2021, Nov. 15) Correlation between Binaural Summation Measured via Acoustic Reflex Thresholds and Psychoacoustic Masking Level Difference (Technical Research, Virtual). 2021 ASHA Convention, Washington D.C., United States.

Track: Neuroaudiology and Central Auditory Processing

Abstract: We analyzed the correlation between the binaural summation measured via acoustic reflex thresholds and the results of the masking level difference established for 500 Hz in 60 participants. The Pearson Correlation Analyses between the MLD values and the binaural summation revealed a significant (r= 0.277; p = 0.032) correlation when the probe stimulus was presented to the right ear and the reflex evoking clicks were presented to the left ear. Although the correlation is significant, the effect size is small, suggesting that each measure may provide information Abstract both similar and different aspects of binaural processing and can be included in a battery of APD tests. (Funded by the Grace Clements Communication Sciences & Disorders Research Endowment Award at West Virginia University)

Ryan, M., Snyder, G., & McKnight, P. (2021, Nov. 15). Effects of Different Stuttering Severity Disclosures on Perceptions of an Adolescent Female Who Stutters (Conference Poster, Virtual). 2021 ASHA Convention, Washington D.C., United States.

Track: Fluency

Abstract: Research indicates that people who stutter (PWS) are commonly attributed with negative stereotypes by listeners when compared to fluent speakers. Furthermore, increased overt stuttering severity has also been found to negatively affect listener perceptions of a PWS, as well as the quality of life of the PWS. Self-disclosure offers PWS a means of acknowledging and sharing their stuttering with a listener, and has been shown to reduce negative perceptions of PWS. This study expands upon previous research and examines the effects of disclosure statements delivered with perceptual fluency, as well as mild, moderate, and severe overt stuttering severities on the perceptions of an adolescent female who stutters. Study results and clinical application for SLPs and their clients will be discussed.

Snyder, G., Geringswald, K., Simpson, M., & McKnight, P. (2021, Nov. 15). Effects of Different Stuttering Severity Disclosures on Perceptions of an Adolescent Male Who Stutters (Conference Poster, Virtual). 2021 ASHA Convention, Washington D.C., United States.

Track: Fluency

Abstract: Research indicates that people who stutter (PWS) are commonly attributed with negative stereotypes by listeners when compared to fluent speakers. Furthermore, increased overt stuttering severity has also been found to negatively affect listener perceptions of a PWS, as well as the quality of life of the PWS. Self-disclosure offers PWS a means of acknowledging and sharing their stuttering with a listener, and has been shown to reduce negative perceptions of PWS. This study expands upon previous research and examines the effects of (mild, moderate, severe) overt stuttering severity on the efficacy of disclosure statements for an adolescent male who stutters. Study results and clinical application for SLPs and their clients will be discussed.

Snyder, G., Manahan, A., McKnight, P., & Kornisch, M. (2021, Nov. 15) Effects of Written Stuttering Disclosure on Perceptions of Children Who Stutter (Conference Poster, Virtual). 2021 ASHA Convention, Washington D.C., United States.

Track: Fluency

Abstract: Research indicates that both people who stutter (PWS) are commonly attributed negative characteristics and stereotypes by listeners. Self-disclosure of stuttering offers PWS a means of acknowledging and sharing their stuttering with a listener, and has been shown to reduce negative perceptions of PWS. Furthermore, select advocate stuttering disclosures (i.e., teacher) improves perceptions of a male child who stutters (CWS). Given the decreasing of face to face interaction, and increasing of digital communication, this study expands upon the advocate disclosure research model and examines the effects of a child self-disclosure, mother disclosure, and female teacher disclosure in written form on perceptions of a male CWS. Results and clinical implications are discussed.

Snyder, G., McKnight, P., Manahan, A., & Kornisch, M. (2021, Nov. 15). Differential Effects of Verbal and Written Stuttering Disclosures on Perceptions of a Child Who Stutters (Conference Poster, Virtual). 2021 ASHA Convention, Washington D.C., United States.

Track: Fluency

Abstract: Research indicates that both children and adults who stutter are commonly attributed negative speech skills, personal characteristics, and stereotypes by listeners as a result of their speech. Self-disclosure offers the stuttering community a means of acknowledging and sharing their stuttering with a listener and has been shown to reduce negative perceptions. While verbal and written disclosure have been studied separately, a comparison of the two methods has yet to be conducted. This study expands upon previous research and compares the efficacy of verbal and written stuttering disclosures when provided by three potential disclosure authors on listener perceptions of a male child who stutters. Results and clinical implications are discussed.

Snyder, G., Simpson, M., Geringswald, K., & McKnight, P. (2021, Nov. 15). Effects of Advocate Disclosure on Perceptions of an Adolescent Male Who Stutters (Conference Poster, Virtual). 2021 ASHA Convention, Washington D.C., United States.

Track: Fluency

Abstract: Research indicates that both children and adults who stutter are commonly attributed negative speech skills, personal characteristics, and stereotypes by listeners as a result of their speech. Self-disclosure offers the stuttering community a means of acknowledging and sharing their stuttering with a listener and has been shown to reduce negative perceptions. Furthermore, select advocate disclosures have also been found to yield beneficial results for a male child who stutters. This study expands upon previous advocate disclosure research and studies the effects of a father disclosure, mother disclosure, female speech-language pathologist disclosure, girlfriend disclosure, female teacher disclosure, and no disclosure on perceptions of an adolescent male who stutters. Results and clinical implications are discussed.

Standland, T., Keene, G., & Higdon, C. (2021, Nov. 15). Assistive Technology and Augmentative Alternative Communication Considerations for Pediatric Cortical Visual Impairment and Multiple Disabilities (Conference Poster, Virtual). 2021 ASHA Convention, Washington D.C., United States.

Track: Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Abstract: This session will discuss the modification of a familiar interactive language learning tool into an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device option for a child with cortical visual impairment (CVI) and multiple disabilities. The session will highlight results of a single subject case study involving a pediatric client with a history of unsuccessful AAC attempts. Assistive technology was utilized to modify a language learning tool into a speech generating device to accommodate the client’s visual and motor impairments. The device was implemented through stakeholder training and naturalistic teaching. This session will also discuss considerations regarding the establishment and expansion of language skills as they pertain to pediatric clients with CVI and multiple disabilities.

Weddington, G., Aarts, N., Higdon, C., & Dawson, T. (2021, Nov. 19). ASHA-PAHO Collaboration: Guyana – Volunteer Instructors Share Their Experiences (1-Hour Seminar, In-Person). 2021 ASHA Convention, Washington D.C., United States.

Track: Global Issues And Practices

Abstract: Present and former volunteer instructors share experiences in the ASHA-PAHO Project at the University of Guyana (South America).

Communication Sciences and Disorders M.S. Students Present at the Premiere Conference for Speech, Language, and Hearing Practitioners and Scholars

Newsletter Fall/Winter 2021 Articles