Communication Skills Of Individuals Research Articles

Реабилитация рецидивистов посредством формирования навыков межличностного взаимодействия

Introduction. The issues of re-socialization of individuals serving criminal punishment in Mongolian correctional institutions are discussed. The area of the research is the problem of reducing the number of repeat offenses due to interpersonal problems as well as interaction and communication skills of individuals being under criminal punishment. The subject of the study is to prove the importance of interpersonal interaction skills in counteracting recidivism. The statistics of repeated crimes in the Republic of Mongolia are described and social and psychological problems of this category of individuals are analyzed. Theoretical approaches to prevent recidivism are examined. The author states the necessity of empirical analysis of sociopsychological causes, including interpersonal interaction leading to recidivism. The method of research was sociological survey, and the technique is a questionnaire to study the skills of interpersonal interaction. Results. Interpersonal skills of 1.416 recidivists confined in open and closed regime prisons under the General Executive Agency of Court Decision were assessed by a special test, and the assessment results were analyzed using SPSS 26 software. Skills study revealed socio-psychological factors influencing repeated criminal behavior and offer practical recommendations to reduce the risk of recidivism. Conclusion. The findings of the study proves the need to conduct socio-psychological work with inmates to develop their interpersonal communication skills.

Cerebellar tDCS enhances functional communication skills in chronic Aphasia

ABSTRACT Background Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has emerged as a possible neuromodulatory tool to augment language therapy in post-stroke aphasia. However, there is limited information on whether tDCS may help to improve everyday functional communication. Aims To investigate whether cerebellar tDCS combined with computerized aphasia treatment improves functional communication skills in individuals with chronic aphasia. Methods and Procedures In a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, within-subject crossover study, participants received 15 sessions of anodal (n = 14) or cathodal (n = 14) cerebellar tDCS plus computerized aphasia treatment then sham plus computerized aphasia treatment, or the opposite order. Linear mixed-effects regression models were performed to evaluate (1) the effect of tDCS treatment on change in functional communication skills on the two dimensions of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Functional Assessment of Communication Skills for Adults (ASHA-FACS): Communication Independence (CI) scale and Qualitative Dimension of Communication (QDC) scale, and (2) the relationship between functional communication skills and trained and untrained naming abilities. Outcomes and Results The results showed significant tDCS-induced gains for the overall QDC mean score, but not for the overall CI mean score. Cerebellar stimulation was more effective than sham for the overall QDC mean score immediately post-treatment, 2-weeks post-treatment and 2-months post-treatment. Follow up analysis separated by group showed that the change in the overall QDC mean score (combining both phases) were similar in participants receiving anodal or cathodal stimulation. We also found a significant linear association between the ASHA-FACS overall CI mean change scores and trained and untrained naming change scores for the tDCS condition but not sham. Conclusions Our study provides preliminary evidence that cerebellar tDCS coupled with computerized aphasia treatment has the potential to improve the overall qualitative dimensions of functional communication skills in individuals with chronic aphasia. Clinical Trial Registration Cerebellar Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Aphasia Treatment [NCT02901574]

Podpora rozvíjania komunikačných zručností u jednotlivcov s mentálnym postihnutím prostredníctvom alternatívnej a augmentatívnej komunikácie

The presented contribution focuses on appropriate support for developing communication skills in individuals with intellectual disabilities. We primarily deal with alternative and augmentative communication methods for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Further in the paper, we emphasize the aspects that must be taken into account in the correct selection of appropriate methods of supporting speech development in augmentative alternative communication.

The Role of New Media Technologies in Improving Communication Skills of Intellectual Disabled Individuals

The communication and social skills of individuals with mental disabilities are considerably behind their peers with normal development. These individuals’ educational needs vary depending on their distinct traits. There is an increasing need to improve communication skills in order to minimize the problems experienced by these mentally handicapped individuals in the family, at school, at all levels of social life, and in interpersonal relationships. Considering their characteristics, educational environments designed for these individuals should be set up in such a way that they can make full use of educational opportunities. Emerging from the application of computer and information-processing developments to the field of communication and starting to direct the relations between individuals with the use of the Internet and technological devices together, new media has also been introduced into educational environments, and changes have started to be seen in the educational processes of individuals with intellectual disabilities. New media technologies aim to optimize learning settings for students who show different developmental characteristics than their peers and learn differently from them. Educational environments where new media technologies are used as auxiliary materials provide these individuals the opportunity to learn individually in line with their own abilities and therefore improve the quality of education. New media technologies support the development of communication skills in individuals with mental disabilities, as well as their reading, writing, and math skills, according to their disability area. This study, in this regard, provides information on the development of communication skills in individuals with mental disabilities to socially integrate and conduct interpersonal interactions in a healthy way and offers suggestions for the use of new media tools to improve the communication skills of individuals with mental disabilities.

Prerequisites for Learning Cued Speech in Tamil Language among Individuals with Hearing Impairment

A study was conducted to assess the prerequisite skills for learning Cued Speech in Tamil language among 45 individuals with hearing impairment in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, India. Purposive sampling method was followed to select the participants. A questionnaire was developed by the authors which included three domains: a) Awareness on Tamil speech sounds, b) Skill to identify the mouth shape for Tamil speech sounds, and c) Skill to form compound letters. Data was gathered and collected through administering the questionnaire and analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. The findings of the study suggested that the individuals were poor achievers in identifying the speech sounds vital for linguistic performance and effective communication. The study recommends exposure to Tamil speech sounds, their formations, and following Mouth shape, which will help to learn the cued speech effectively to enhance the verbal communication skills of individuals with hearing impairment.

Effects of Interventions Involving Tablet-Based Speech-Generating Devices for Individuals with ASD: A Meta-analysis.

The purpose of this review was to assess the effectiveness of tablet-based speech-generating devices (SGDs) in improving communication skills for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A total of 31 single-case design intervention studies involving 84 individuals with ASD were reviewed and included in the analysis. We calculated Tau-U to evaluate the impact of interventions involving tablet-based SGDs on four different communication responses: specifically, mands, intraverbals, tacts, and vocalizations. To explore potential moderating variables for mand outcomes, we used the Kruskal-Wallis one-way test. The analysis revealed that interventions utilizing tablet-based SGDs led to improvements in communication responses. Specifically, large to very large changes were observed in mand and intraverbal responses, whereas moderate changes were noted in tact responses and vocalizations. The findings of this review underscore the potential of tablet-based SGDs in enhancing communication among individuals with ASD. We discuss the findings and provide implications for future research and practice.

6.18 Online Peer Groups Improve Social Communication Skills for Individuals With ASD

6.18 Online Peer Groups Improve Social Communication Skills for Individuals With ASD

From influencing school food to handling hate speech: Methods, areas, and limitations of active citizenship in Finnish social studies textbooks

Historically, education for active citizenship has not been a high priority in Finnish schools. In this discursive study of Finnish social studies textbooks for grades 4–6, we investigate how students are encouraged to practice active citizenship, where the focus of active citizenship lies, and how active citizenship is limited in antidemocratic ways. Referring to the theoretical discussion about democracy in education, we note a discursive focus on individual influencing and communication skills as methods for active citizenship education. We find that active citizenship focuses on students’ immediate surroundings, the school, and the local area as potential fields of influence. We note how antidemocratic threats to active citizenship are often portrayed with a focus on individual feelings and manners, not on understanding democratic structures and antidemocratic threats such as silencing voices through online hate speech. We welcome a discussion about how young students can become active citizens, by encouraging a more democratic classroom culture within social studies, thereby creating space for imagining alternative futures and utopian thinking.

Developing the Speaking Out and Allying Relationships Intervention on Videoconference for HIV-Positive GBMSM in Eastern Cape, South Africa.

In South Africa, HIV prevalence for gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men (GBMSM) is as high as 49.5%, yet only 25.7% are taking treatment, resulting in transmission risk between partners and the need for dyadic interventions for men in relationships. Through our preliminary research, we identified the evidence-based intervention Healthy Relationships (HR)-an HIV risk assessment and status disclosure intervention for those in relationships-to be tailored into videoconference format for partnered HIV-positive GBMSM in South Africa. The HR adaptation, called SOAR (Speaking Out & Allying Relationships), applied a human-centered design approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with HIV-positive GBMSM (N = 15) to refine intervention preferences with results used to establish a beta SOAR. A trained interventionist conducted SOAR functionality (n = 6) and usability (n = 7) tests with separate invited groups composed of the original participants interviewed. Field logs, focus group discussions, and a study-specific preference survey were administered. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were completed with a convergent analytical approach used to understand usability. Overall experience of GBMSM in SOAR was good (69%) or excellent (31%). More than half of the participants (61%) rated using videoconferencing for SOAR as good, with 38% rating it as fair. All participants stated that SOAR was understandable and satisfactory with willingness to recommend it to other GBMSM. This adaptation approach was effective, and the resultant SOAR intervention has the potential to improve individual coping and HIV communication skills with partners to engage with biomedical prevention and in turn support GBMSM couples.

Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Holden Communication Scale.

The communication skills of individuals with dementia are affected even in the early stages of the condition. To date, there is no scale for the evaluation of communication abilities in Turkish-speaking populations with dementia that can be used in clinical practice and research. The present study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Holden Communication Scale (HCS-TR). The study was carried out with 141 participants (77 female and 64 male). Psychometric analyses were conducted to assess the internal consistency, construct and criterion validity, test-retest reliability, and inter-rater reliability of the HCS-TR. The Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE) test was used for criterion validity. For the inter-rater reliability of the scale, the two different caregivers of individuals with dementia were administered the scale separately at the same time. For test-retest reliability, 2 weeks later, the same caregivers who filled out the HCS-TR the first time were administered to fill out the scale again. To test the validity of the scale, an item factor analysis was performed, and the correlations between the items and subsections were determined. The factor loadings indicating the adequate contribution of the scale items to the relevant dimension were within the 0.700-0.831 range. There were positive relationships between all the items of the HCS-TR, and there was a significant negative relationship (r=-.842) between HCS-TR and MMSE. The corrected item-total correlation values were found to be within the .676-.794 range. Cronbach's alpha values for the HCS-TR subsection and total scores in the first and second measurements were found to be in the range of .718-.944. There was no statistically significant difference (p=.709) between the mean total scores in the first and second measurements. The HCS-TR is a valid and reliable tool that can be used for clinical and research purposes to assess the strengths and limitations of the communication skills of Turkish individuals with dementia.

Automatic Speech Disfluency Detection Using wav2vec2.0 for Different Languages with Variable Lengths

Speech is critical for interpersonal communication, but not everyone has fluent communication skills. Speech disfluency, including stuttering and interruptions, affects not only emotional expression but also clarity of expression for people who stutter. Existing methods for detecting speech disfluency rely heavily on annotated data, which can be costly. Additionally, these methods have not considered the issue of variable-length disfluent speech, which limits the scalability of detection methods. To address these limitations, this paper proposes an automated method for detecting speech disfluency that can improve communication skills for individuals and assist therapists in tracking the progress of stuttering patients. The proposed method focuses on detecting four types of disfluency features using single-task detection and utilizes embeddings from the pre-trained wav2vec2.0 model, as well as convolutional neural network (CNN) and Transformer models for feature extraction. The model’s scalability is improved by considering the issue of variable-length disfluent speech and modifying the model based on the entropy invariance of attention mechanisms. The proposed automated method for detecting speech disfluency has the potential to assist individuals in overcoming speech disfluency, improve their communication skills, and aid therapists in tracking the progress of stuttering patients. Additionally, the model’s scalability across languages and lengths enhances its practical applicability. The experiments demonstrate that the model outperforms baseline models in both English and Chinese datasets, proving its universality and scalability in real-world applications.

Exploring the Impact of Virtual Reality on Social Interaction and Communication Skills in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Comparative Study

Exploring the Impact of Virtual Reality on Social Interaction and Communication Skills in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Comparative Study

Comparing the efficiency of speech and language therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation for treating Broca's aphasia

ObjectivesAphasia is an acquired language-cognitive disorder that highly affects an individual's speech, language, and communication skills. Recovery from aphasia requires attentive treatment since it is a long and dynamic process. This study aimed to show interactive benefits of combining classical intervention strategies with new technological approaches and demonstrating their effectiveness. Materials and methodsA total of 40 individuals with Broca's aphasia were included in the study. The participants were divided into Application-1 Speech and Language Therapy, Application-2 Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Application-3 (consecutive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Speech and Language Therapy), and Application-4 (Control Group) experimental groups, with 10 participants in each group. ResultsAnalysis indicated that individuals in the group in which Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Speech and Language Therapy were applied consecutively had further increases in speech fluency, repetition, and naming scores from pre-test to post-test (p<0.01). Picture naming and quality-of-life communication scores of individuals in the group in which Speech and Language Therapy was performed increased further from pre-test to post-test (p<0.01). ConclusionsThe results of the study showed a positive effect on language skills, naming scores, and participation in social life of Turkish-speaking aphasic individuals with the Speech and Language Therapy and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation methods. The use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation alone is insufficient in this context. Although Speech and Language Therapy alone is effective in naming ability, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in addition to Speech and Language Therapy significantly increases the gain obtained with therapies.

Early diagnosis of autism using indian autism grading tool

Autism spectrum disorder is a neuro-developmental disorder that affects communication and social skills in individuals. Screening and diagnosis of autism using conventional methods, such as interviews with parents or caregivers and observational assessments takes a long time. The accurate diagnosis of autism by physicians and healthcare professionals seems to be challenging. By analyzing data on autistic children, medical professionals can learn about autism screening assessment decision making. The present study aims to develop a parental autism screening tool termed the Indian Autism Grading Tool (IAGT) for early screening of autism. Data are collected using the Indian Autism Parental Questionnaire and assigned with grades. This dataset is employed to test five supervised machine learning models, which compare classification performance based on accuracy, precision and recall. The most effective model should be used to implement the autism screening application. MLR is known to be more robust and to support fewer data sets, so it can be employed for the implementation of ML-powered mobile applications. MLR achieves the overall accuracy of 97.85%, which equates to 0.72%, 2.37%, 0.84% and 1.54% better than SVM, DT, KNN and GNB respectively. The proposed tool is developed in both Tamil and English. The pilot study is conducted with 30 children and the predictability of the tool is compared with the clinician. Therefore, the tool consistently achieves the same level of accuracy as clinicians.

Parent-Teacher Conference as a Rhetorical Challenge in Educational Practice

This paper analyses educator’s communication skills during parent-teacher conferences in kindergarten. We researched the way educators communicate during twelve parent-teacher conferences in various kindergartens. In accordance with the methodology of qualitative research, chosen elements of educator’s communication during the parent-teacher conferences were observed and recorded. Results showed that observed parent-teacher conferences are well-prepared, structured, substantially suitable and interactive, with apt vocabulary and elements of eloquence. The greatest shortcoming of the educator’s communication was an underdeveloped active listening technique. Moreover, there were obvious differences in individual communication skills of the educators. The results of this research can serve as a tool for contemplating pedagogical practice in early childhood education.

Design Specifications of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Apps for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The literature has emphasized the positive impact of mobile technologies with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) apps for enhancing the functional communication skills of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Although various AAC apps are available, the system design of such apps presents assorted challenges, particularly for those with ASD in different cultures. Designing useful and engaging apps by considering the affordances of mobile technologies and the characteristics of individuals with ASD may contribute to the success of interventions. In this regard, the purpose of this study is to examine the design specifications of AAC apps based on the considerations of subject-matter experts from an instructional system design (ISD) perspective. The current research employed a design-based research framework, including different methods. An AAC app named as EBA was developed by following design specifications as suggested by the field experts to answer the research questions. The results of the study revealed several enhancements in usability, flexibility, and feasibility issues of AAC apps, and highlighted the importance of (a) personalized apps, (b) simple user-interface, (c) hierarchical representation of visuals, (d) responsive apps, (e) help and documentation, and (f) parent control service. Directions for future research are proposed.

Developing an Attention Assessment Tool for Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Timbre, Rhythm, and Pitch.

Music is regarded as a beneficial tool for assessing the clinical symptoms and communication skills in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autism. The present study developed a music-based attention test (MAT) for individuals with autism using music parameters and the algorithm of the comprehensive attention test (CAT). We recruited 51 autistic individuals and 50 neurotypical individuals to participate in the CAT, MAT, and social intelligence tests. The reliability and validity of the MAT were assessed using exploratory factor analysis, concurrent validity, and criterion-related validity. The MAT had sound internal consistency (high Cronbach's α = 0.948). In addition, the MAT had suitable concurrent validity in the correlation between CAT and MAT, as well as good criterion validity when attention was measured using the MAT and was compared between autistic individuals and neurotypical individuals. Attention evaluated using the MAT was associated with the social quotient in individuals with autism. The MAT could be a relevant tool for gauging attention in individuals with ASD. Furthermore, attention determined using the MAT may be correlated with social quotient in autistic individuals. Future studies should consider that using music in the field of attention could improve the social quotient of individuals with autism.

Methodology of establishing communications with corporate consumers in the construction materials market

Modern world dictates its own conditions, and every entrepreneur must master the art of sales strategy, not only master it but also win the battle for profits and market share. Today, strategy is a long-term action plan aimed at achieving an enterprise’s global goals. Prior to forming a detailed by-element sales strategy, special attention must be paid to personnel policy because a large part of the success depends on a manager`s individual professional qualities, expertise, communication skills, knowledge, and practice in implementing sales techniques, etc. The authors explore the influence of various channels on the organization's sales volume and suggest basic tasks to form a “direct” selling strategy. The significance of a manager’s individual qualities as a mandatory prerequisite for the creation of a successful sales strategy has been established. Special attention is paid to the most effective sources of gathering information about construction objects of various types, which, in turn, allows constant monitoring of the sequence of works, acquisition of proper paperwork from the developer, determining constructional features of a building, and figure out construction technologies used on the object. Such an approach allows for reducing significantly the time spent on the preliminary stage of the sales – search, collection, and structuring information about the potential clients. An analysis of the received data on the implemented strategy was carried out, including all the mentioned components, which allowed, firstly, to cover the entire ground without losing the opportunity of the “touch” with every potential client and, secondly, to be fully prepared for the meeting with the client, which will be a solid foundation for sales techniques. On the basis of the received data, the effectiveness of the considered strategy and the sales department as a whole is evaluated. As a result, the most effective algorithm for materials sales in the construction market is suggested.

I Have a Voice: Examining Augmentative and Alternative Communication Application According to Parent’s Opinions

Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems (AAC) is an important method for individuals with limited verbal communication (speech) to access communication tools and communicate accordingly. This research examines the application process of the "I Have A Voice" Program, which produces tablet and computer-assisted speech, designed to support the communication skills of individuals with limitations in the verbal communication process, according to the parents' opinions. Within the scope of the research, while describing the application process of the "I Have a Voice" program, it is also aimed to examine the possible problems related to the application and its causes. Another aim of the study is to examine the views of family members about the tablet program and the effect of the Program on family members. In this context, 3 parents who received the tablet program training constitute the research participants. The research was carried out with a case study, one of the qualitative research methods, and the data obtained were analyzed with content analysisAAC supports accessibility and equality so that those with limited verbal communication can independently participate in a social order based on speech. In addition, if these systems are to be utilized effectively, parents must be taught how to use AAC.

Narrative Interventions for Children Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication: A Call and Plan for Future Research

Purpose: Interventions that target the full breadth of communication skills for individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) are needed in the literature. Narrative interventions for AAC would target the important communication skill of storytelling and may have broader academic and social effects. The authors review the components of narrative interventions that have been effective with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and could be modified for those who use AAC. Conclusion: Finally, a line of research developing AAC narrative interventions is proposed.