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Article
Diagnosing and Treating Signed Language Disorders: A New Perspective
Contemporary Issues in Communication Science and Disorders
(2016)
Abstract
Purpose: This study surveyed graduate students of speech-language pathology to determine their awareness of signed language disorders, opening the door to a possible discussion of the need for signed language pathology, including the potential for future signing-based diagnoses and therapies. Method: Thirty-two graduate speech-language pathology
students completed a questionnaire identifying (a) their attitudes toward the use of signed language, (b) their awareness of signed language disorders, (c) opportunities for treatment in signed language, and (d) a need for this type of training in graduate education. Results: The majority of the students recognized American Sign Language as a human language; however, respondents lacked prior knowledge of the existence of organic disorders that could impact
the production of signed language. When informed about the existence of such disorders through the questionnaire, these students acknowledged a need for training regarding treatment to alleviate the disorders. Conclusion: Students in this speech-language pathology program, located in the same department as a Deaf Studies program teaching American Sign Language, were receptive to the use of signed language in treatment and saw value in pursuing additional education in signed language pathology in order to diagnose and treat signed language disorders.
Keywords
- Signed Language Disorders,
- Signed Language Pathology,
- Perceptions,
- Attitudes,
- Training,
- Treatment
Disciplines
Publication Date
Fall 2016
Publisher Statement
American Speech Hearing Association Organization
Citation Information
Jody H Cripps, Sheryl B Cooper, Paul M Evitts and Judith F Blackburn. "Diagnosing and Treating Signed Language Disorders: A New Perspective" Contemporary Issues in Communication Science and Disorders Vol. 43 (2016) p. 223 - 237 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/jody-cripps/32/