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London
Speech and Language Centre |
Since the recent terrorist attacks in the United States, other life and business matters seem almost trivial. Our condolences to all families who have lost loved ones. We pray that world leaders will be guided by wisdom in rooting out terrorism and making significant inroads toward world peace.
Significant Changes to Audiology Funding effective August 13, 2001
There have been important developments in the field of audiology recently. Effective this past August, the provincial government imposed billing restrictions on audiologists that are having far-reaching consequences. In the short term, families must now pay for services previously covered through OHIP. In the longer term, clinics will close and there will be an exodus of highly trained audiologists from this province.
Our professional association and college are fighting to reverse these changes, on the basis that they threaten public access. If you would like to have a voice, contact your MPP or Tony Clement, Minister of Health.
On a brighter note, the College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists should have Preferred Practice Guidelines for Cognitive-Communication Disorders ready by the end of this year. These disorders are common following a brain injury. I was one of several contributors on this important document.
Free Screening Clinics
Communication disorders are best treated early. This is the most effective way to prevent the social, emotional and educational problems associated with speech and language disorders.
London Speech is pleased to offer FREE speech and language screening tests every month. These brief evaluations can help allay a parent’s concerns. When necessary, parents will receive information and support on how to access a complete speech-language pathology assessment.
Screening clinics:
Families are asked to call the Centre to book a screening appointment.
Predicting Reading Disability in Preschoolers
It is well known that children with reading disabilities often demonstrate language and behavioural problems as well.
Researchers from New Zealand wanted to determine if early childhood characteristics (i.e. receptive and expressive language, and temperament) could distinguish between children with reading disabilities and ADHD later in life. They studied three groups of children over several years: 1) reading disability only, 2) ADHD only, and 3) ADHD with reading disability. Results indicated that reading disability and ADHD are, at least partially, unique disorders.
All children with reading disabilities (with or without ADHD) had language impairments. Boys from the reading disability group consistently demonstrated the most deficient receptive language skills. Children with reading disabilities and ADHD had the most significant problems with receptive language.
This study demonstrated that negative reading outcomes can be expected for children with early receptive language delays.
Source: Pisecco et. al, Journal of Learning Disabilities, April, 2001
Communication Disorders: Prevalent among Delinquent Youth
Violence in North American schools has generated considerable interest in issues of school safety. There is a large body of research that consistently demonstrates a link between delinquency and communication impairment.
Dr. Dixie Sanger, professor of communication disorders at the University of Nebraska, indicates that 24-84% of incarcerated youth have communication disorders. Several other studies on female delinquency found that about 20% were potential candidates for language therapy. Delinquent youngsters often have problems with social interaction and other types of language function. Communication disorders can be misinterpreted or overlooked, particularly when behaviour issues demand teachers’ immediate attention.
The advice of Advance, an online newsletter for speech-language pathologists: “When students get tough, clinicians should get going-and investigate impairment”
Source: Advance, Aug/01
New Alzheimer’s Vaccine to be Tested
Alzheimer’s Disease affects one third of people over the age of 85.
Aging is a major risk factor for Alzheimer’s Disease. About one-third of those over the age of 85 will show some symptoms, including memory loss, wandering , inappropriate behaviour and hallucinations. Tests for a new vaccine-AN-1792– to stop and, perhaps, reverse the effects of Alzheimer’s disease will begin this fall in the United States and Europe. The vaccine was developed by Dr. Paul Fraser, associate professor of medical biophysics at the Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases in New Jersey. The vaccine aims to use the body’s own immune system to develop antibodies to brain plaque found in large amounts in Alzheimer’s patients.
Source: U of T magazine, fall 2001
Ask the Expert: What are Word Finding Problems?
Have you ever forgotten a neighbour’s name just before an introduction? Ever struggled to recall a town that you have been to a hundred times? When it’s “on the tip of your tongue” and you just can’t say the word, you are experiencing “word retrieval” or “word finding” difficulties.
Word finding difficulty is a disruption in the mental activity of retrieving known words from memory. All of us have experienced this frustration . For a child or adult with a word finding disorder, the frustration is magnified many times over. Word finding problems can occur in isolation, but are more frequently associated with other language impairments. Problems can be present from birth, or acquired through an insult to the brain, i.e., stroke or traumatic brain injury. A thorough evaluation by a speech-language pathologist will help identify any associated problems with cognitive, social or linguistic function and is the first order of business.
Want to learn more? Get Diane German’s It’s on the tip of my tongue,2001 2001
The High Price of Lost Communication and Swallowing
One of my favourite quotes, from Daniel Webster, speaks to the fundamental importance of human communication skills. He writes “If all my possessions were taken from me with one exception, I would keep the power of communication, for by it, I would soon regain all the rest.”
What are communication skills worth to you? What about your ability to swallow? A recent jury decision in the United States suggests that the price of lost communication and swallowing is high. A 31- year- old Florida resident was recently awarded 4.8 million dollars in damages for a routine biopsy that went bad. The woman was seen at the Mayo Clinic’s facility in Jacksonville,and suffered permanent damage to her speech and swallowing abilities when her hypoglossal nerve was accidentally severed in the procedure.
Source: The ASHA Leader, Sept, 2001
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is Common
Researchers from the University of Washington believe that approximately one in 100 people in industrialized countries are living with the permanent effects of brain injuries caused by prenatal alcohol. That means that about 300,000 Canadians are living with preventable brain injuries.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and the related Fetal Alcohol Effect (FAE) are disorder s that produce a distinctive pattern of delayed growth, intellectual and behavioural disabilities and facial characteristics. FAS and FAE are the leading known preventable cause of mental retardation. These lifelong disabilities can be eradicated by educating the public about the importance of alcohol free pregnancies.
For more information on this problem: www.fasworld.com.
Question and Answer
This is where I answer your questions. Feel free to call, E-mail or fax them to us at any time.
Question: Do you offer evening and weekend appointments?
Answer: Yes, if available. Academic tutors, speech-language pathologists and therapy assistants all work after school hours. Our popular “Talk it Up” Saturday program is available for families who want weekend therapy for children 3-8 years of age.
Question: Do you work outside of London? Answer: Yes. London Speech has contracts in Sarnia, Chatham, and Huron Perth. We also provide in-home services to clients with acquired brain injuries across southwestern Ontario. We can sometimes arrange therapy for self-paying clients in these areas; however, many prefer to drive to our London offices for scheduling and cost-saving reasons.
Question: Do you work with adults?
Answer: Yes. We have many adult clients with a variety of communication difficulties including stuttering, voice disorders, learning disabilities and acquired brain injuries (e.g. from car accidents, work related accidents or strokes).
Question: How do families pay for services?
Answer: Many have employee benefits or extended health plans that pay a portion of fees. Some secure funding through service groups, band offices, WSIB or motor vehicle insurance. We often assist families with this leg work.
London Speech and Language Centre’s mission is to maximize the social, emotional, educational and vocational advancement of individuals with communication disorders. Founded in 1987, our nationally recognized clinic is now the largest of its kind in Southwestern Ontario. We offer speech-langauge pathology, academic testing and support, and brain injury rehabilitation services to individuals of all ages. We operate on a fee for service basis, with auto insurance, WSIB, First Nation Band Offices and employee benefits often paying a portion of fees. We also offer funded programs for families that qualify, thanks to the generosity of the Barbershop Singers of Ontario, Harmonize for Speech Fund and our other corporate sponsors.