Course Description

Differential diagnosis and management of neurogenic speech disorders, including the dysarthrias and apraxia of speech.

Course Objectives

Students will:
1. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the neurological substrates of motor speech disorders.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the classification, characteristics, and etiologies of motor speech disorders.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of, and the ability to administer and interpret, current diagnostic instruments.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of, and apply principles of motor learning to the treatment of motor speech disorders.
5. Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in written form, with patients, families, and professionals.

Texts

Duffy, J. R. (1995). Motor speech disorders. St. Louis: Mosby
Yorkston, K. M., Miller, R. M., & Strand, E. A. (1995). Management of Speech and Swallowing Disorders in Degenerative Diseases. Tuscon: Communication Skill Builders.

Course Requirements

1. Examinations. Two examinations will be given. The first exam will cover the first two objectives and will constitute 20% of the final grade. The second and final exam will cover the entire course content and will constitute 30% of the final grade. To best facilitate learning strategies which will generalize to "real world" situations, both examinations will be "open book" and comprised of items which will, as much as possible, require the type of information and/or problem solving encountered in clinical/professional situations. The exams will be comprised of both objective and essay items.

2. Portfolio. Each student will develop a portfolio to document evidence of competencies, including knowledge and skills related to the diagnosis and treatment of neurogenic speech disorders. The portfolio will also serve as a clinical handbook to serve as a resource during future clinical experiences. A total of 100 points will be awarded for the portfolio as described in the course schedule. An additional 5 points may be earned for exceptional presentation or creativity in development of the portfolio. The portfolio and its contents will account for 50% of the final grade. Make sure your name is on your portfolio.

Grading Scale: The percentage shown indicates the cut-off for the corresponding grade
 

A: 95% and above A-: 93

B+: 90 B: 87 B-: 83

C+: 80 C: 76  F: Below 76

 Course Schedule & Outline

Date	Topic	Readings	Portfolio Assignment	Draft Due	Final Due
Aug 23 Aug 30	Introduction & Overview,  Neurological Substrates	Chapters 1 & 2	Obj 1-5. Join the neuro listserv. Print subscription confirmation and include it in your portfolio. Participate in case discussions and contribute in other meaningful ways to the learning of your peers. 5 pts	Materials turned in after due date for "draft" will be considered final
Sept 6	No Class Meeting	Labor Day	Obj 1. Develop a cheat sheet summarizing basic organization for motor control (functional & anatomical systems), including peripheral and central nervous system components. 10 pts	Sept 22	Oct 6
Sept 13 Sept 20 Sept 27	Classification and Characteristics of Dysarthria	Chapters 4 & 5 Chapters 6-10	Obj 2. Small Group Projects: In small groups, present to the class information about one of the types of dysarthria.  One member from each group will serve as representative to the "handout" group, which will summarize the info from all presentations into a 1-2 page handout.  Presentations and handouts should  include site of lesion, characteristic impairments and speech behaviors, and common etiologies.  10 pts		Date of presentation
Oct 4	Exam I		Obj 1 & 2. 50 pts
Oct 11	Assessment: General approach, Case History	Chapters 3 & 15	Obj 3. Complete self-study of medical terminology and abbreviations. Include terms in your portfolio, highlighting those terms & abbreviations most pertinent to SLP. 5 pts	Oct 18	Nov 1
Oct 18	Assessment: Subsystems		Obj 3. Develop a personal brief assessment protocol for addressing motor speech disorders. It should include elicitation instructions, a recording system, and any stimuli needed. 10 pts	Oct 25	Nov 8
Oct 25	Assessment: Report Writing & Treatment Planning		Obj 3. Demonstrate competence in administering a dysarthria battery. 10 pts	Schedule with Graduate Assistant
Nov 1	Treatment: General approach, Principles of Motor Learning	Chapter 16  Reserve: Schmidt (1992)  Verdolini (1994)	Obj 3 & 4. Write two case reports. The case reports will be based on information provided by the instructor. Students may collaborate during the development of the case reports, but each student must submit an original case report. The reports will be graded according to the clinical writing manual.  10 pts each	1st report Nov 1   2nd report Nov 22	1st report  Nov 15 2nd report  Nov 29
Nov 8 Nov 15	Treatment: Subsystems	Chapter 17	Obj 4. Develop a list of materials appropriate for the treatment of dysarthria. These would include, but are not limited to oral motor exercises, speech stimuli, etc. 10 pts	Nov 15	Nov 29
Nov 22	Treatment: Apraxia of Speech	Chapter 18	Obj. 4. Develop a cheat sheet of principles and activities for treating apraxia of speech. 10 pts	Nov 29	Dec 6
Nov 29 Dec 6	Case Studies		Obj. 2, 3, 4. Develop 2 sample lesson plans. Also develop 2 sample SOAP notes to use as models "in the real world." 10 pts	Nov 29	Dec 6
Dec 13 6-8 pm	Final Exam		Obj. 3, 4, 5. 60 pts