Dysarthria And Apraxia

Derived from a conference on clinical dysarthria in San Antonio, in 1990, 19 papers report on clinical and research developments in neuromotor speech disorders for the benefit of speech-language pathologists and researchers, and graduate students in the field. The sections cover theoretical approaches, intelligibility, specific disorders, physiology, and apraxia. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

The title of this book may at first appear to be somewhat restrictive in its use of terminology. However, this is far from the intention of the writer; on the contrary, the following chapters seek to reflect a departure from the traditional segmentally orientated approach to this type of disability. Indeed one reason why the book has been written is the sense of frustration arising out of the largely ineffectual static and structural methodology of remedial work. Alternative titles could have been Disorders of Speech Production, or Neurogenic Speech Disorders, but neither would have encapsulated the essence of the book. Much of the recent research in the neurophysiology of motor control and also in the field of neurolinguistics has been concerned with ways in which intention and planning of movement is effected. Such models are still in their infancy, but it seems the potential value of their application to speech is considerable. In the case of verbal dysp'taxia, for example, we have long since in rather vague terms described it as a disorder of organization and programming without ever stating exactly what may be disorganized or not properly planned. This book does not provide the answer for as yet there is insufficient data on which to work so that formulated theories may be tested and further defined. But as we move from speculative guess-work towards established fact so the likelihood grows of providing more positive help for those who suffer these drastic limitations in communication.

Based on selected papers given at the Conference on Motor Speech Disorders held in 1992 at Boulder, Colorado, this volume presents original research on a broad range of motor speech disorder topics in children and adults, e.g., speech characteristics and speech-related physiologic functions for individuals with apraxia, spasmodic torticollis, spasmodic dysphonia, traumatic brain injury, and Parkinson's disease. Primarily for clinical practitioners in speech- language pathology, researchers in neuromotor speech disorders, and students of neurogenic speech disorders. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Through the medium of detailed clinical case reports, written by well-respected clinicians and researchers working internationally in the field, Clinical Cases in Dysarthria discusses the challenges, and rewards of applying evidence-based procedures to people with dysarthria in real-life busy routine clinical settings. The text opens with an introduction to the latest research and practices within dysarthria treatment and sets the scene for the eight individual case reports which follow. These case reports form the core chapters of the text and cover themes that range from clinical diagnostic conundrums to applying popular, and/or novel intervention approaches to different populations where dysarthria presents. Each chapter has a specific argument drawing on theoretical principles of assessment and rehabilitation, incorporating latest research evidence to help readers problem-solve similar cases in their clinical practice. Throughout the text, readers are encouraged to ‘think outside the box’. This book will be essential for undergraduate and postgraduate student clinicians within speech and language therapy/pathology courses, as well as clinicians new to the field of dysarthria.

This book is written to minimize frustration and maximize the likelihood of success by providing step-by-step, sequentially ordered behavioral exercises for treating the various speech subsystem disturbances exhibited by patients with motor speech disorders.

"...offers a detailed yet streamlined introduction to motor speech disorders for graduate students and beginning clinicians. The text offers a brief historical overview of motor speech disorders, providing useful context for understanding the technology and methodology used by modern speech language pathologists for evaluation and treatment. The text also provides a practical introduction to the human motor system and detailed coverage of six pure dysarthrias, mixed dysarthria, and apraxia of speech."--back cover.