Clinical Blogging 1

My client is a 7 year old male. A has been diagnosed with some articulation problems and receiving articulation therapy since spring 2007 in WVU Speech Clinic.

As the past treatment, the previous clinician had worked on the sounds that are in error by using the traditional motor approach. Since A is intelligible and stimulable, I am also using the same therapy approach- the traditional motor approach to stabilize correct productions of A’s sounds that are in error. I’m also giving oral, visual and tactile cues during the therapy sessions.

Some researches show that many clinicians use traditional motor approach and it is effective with many clients.

My supervisor also recommended that the traditional approach could be efficient in order to improve A’s sounds that were in error.

In the client’s case, A has been having some difficulties focusing on the topic. He likes interesting games-materials to use during an activity to really concentrate, so I provide different kinds of materials for A to focus on the activities.

I can see that A is learning and trying to improve his errors with accurate reinforcements. I believe this therapy approach is working because his sounds that are in error are getting better and we are moving forward precisely on our goals through sessions with A.

References:
Kamhi, A.G. (2006). Treatment Decisions for Children with Speech-Sound Disorders. Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in Schools, 37, 271-279.

Gierut, A.J. (1998). Treatment Efficacy: Functional Phonological Disorders in Children. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 41, 85-100.