International Association Of Logopedics And Phoniatrics Research Articles

EMIL FROESCHEL'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPEECH THERAPEUTIC SCIENCE AND PRACTICE

The article presents the figure of the prominent Austrian scientist Emil Froeschels, who introduced the term “logopedics” into clinical practice, is considered the founder of speech pathology (speech therapy) education, founded the world's first International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics (IALP) and a number of other national associations and unions. The article focuses on his leadership qualities as a scientist, teacher and public figure. On the basis of the research the directions of researches of the scientist are defined: problems of speech therapy (stuttering, aphasia, dysarthria, etc.), speech and voice therapy, methodical materials and the analysis of comparative researches, researches of physiology and problems of speech and voice and speech organs, philosophical researches, questions speech psychology, problems of education, training and upbringing of children with and without disabilities, phonetic observations, etc. The methods of speech pathology (speech therapy) work with the patient proposed by E. Froeschels, which were introduced into clinical practice, are analyzed.

International Survey of Speech-Language Pathologists’ Practices in Working with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Objective: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental impairment. To better understand the role of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in different countries in supporting children with ASD, the International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics (IALP) Child Language Committee developed a survey for SLPs working with children or adolescents with ASD. Method and Participants: The survey comprised 58 questions about background information of respondents, characteristics of children with ASD, and the role of SLPs in diagnosis, assessment, and intervention practices. The survey was available in English, French, Russian, and Portuguese, and distributed online. Results: This paper provides a descriptive summary of the main findings from the quantitative data from the 1,114 SLPs (representing 35 countries) who were supporting children with ASD. Most of the respondents (91%) were experienced in working with children with ASD, and the majority (75%) worked in schools or early childhood settings. SLPs reported that the children’s typical age at diagnosis of ASD on their caseload was 3–4 years, completed mostly by a professional team. Conclusions: The results support positive global trends for SLPs using effective practices in assessment and intervention for children with ASD. Two areas where SLPs may need further support are involving parents in assessment practices, and supporting literacy development in children with ASD.

Education of Speech and Language Therapists/Logopedists in Selected Central and Southeastern European Countries: Challenges and New Horizons

Objective: To provide an overview of student training in speech and language therapy/logopedics (SLT) in selected Central and Southeastern European countries (Poland, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey). Method: Data were collected using a special questionnaire developed by Söderpalm and supplemented by Georgieva. Results from 23 SLT programs in the seven countries were collected and organized. Results: In all these countries, SLT has roots in special education or health and is centralized in the university environment. The training programs have positive accreditation provided by the national agencies of accreditation and evaluation. Results were examined specifically for evidence of the new paradigm of evidence-based practice (EBP) according to the revised International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics (IALP) guidelines and the application of research-based teaching in SLT. The professional bodies that govern clinical practice in public health and/or educational fields are in the process of EBP implementation. Most speech and language therapists/logopedists in the selected countries work in an educational setting, clinical organization and/or hospital as well as in social day care centers. Except in Turkey, private practices are not regulated by the law. Conclusions: In the seven countries examined in this survey, SLT is progressing as a professional discipline but must be supported by government funding of SLT education and services to relevant populations.

Impact Factor Wars: Episode V—The Empire Strikes Back

T oo bad it is not ‘‘A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away . . . ’’ Instead, it is the 21st century and European, Canadian, and American scientists are now in the grips of a menace that threatens their livelihood: the journal impact factor (a proprietary calculation based on journal citations and produced by the monolithic news and information empire Thomson Reuters) is being used in many places to determine academic employment, rank, tenure, and funding. In the past, few voices have protested the abusive power associated with journal impact factor, and publishers generally shrank in terror at the prospect of their journals being subjected to the ‘‘death penalty’’—removal from the Thomson Reuters journal impact factor listing. However, in 2007, the Executive Director of the powerful Rockefeller University Press, along with the Executive Editors of the Journal of Experimental Medicine and the Journal of Cell Biology, courageously questioned the validity and reliability of the journal impact factor calculations. These editorials (by Mike Rossner, Heather Van Epps, and Emma Hill) emboldened others to voice concerns about the use of an unverifiable and proprietary metric—journal impact factor—to evaluate the quality of scientific work. In the initial 1977 film (now designated ‘‘Episode IV’’) of the epic Star Wars movie series by George Lucas, the Galactic Empire uses a lethal show of force (the Death Star) to destroy the relatively insignificant planet Alderaan in order to frighten the rest of the galactic inhabitants (particularly those on the larger planets) into submission. Apparently, Thomson Reuters has decided to use a similar tactic: wielding its enormous power in a show of force against a tiny journal. As has been widely described, the journal impact factor is calculated by summing the total citations during a given year to articles published in the previous 2 years and dividing this by the number of ‘‘items’’ (a number derived secretively by Thomson Reuters) published in the journal during that same 2-year period. The ability of journal editors and publishers (particularly large and influential ones) to manipulate (and negotiate) the journal impact factor to achieve higher values has been well documented. Unfortunately, journals from small subspecialty fields are at a distinct disadvantage with fewer articles for possible citation, a smaller population of investigators, and little leverage to finagle higher journal impact factor values. Nonetheless, 2 clever scientists, Harm K. Schutte and Jan G. Svec, who work in a small scientific field published in the year 2007 an editorial in the official organ of the International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics (IALP)—Folia Phoniatrica et Logopaedica (published by S. Karger AG, Basel)—in which they cited all 66 articles published in that journal during the years 2005 and 2006. This strategy of self-citation raised the journal impact factor from a value of 0.655 for 2006 to 1.439 for 2007 and jumped the journal’s ranking by 9 places in the subject category of ‘‘Rehabilitation’’ (which only contains 27 journals). For investigators whose only scholarly outlet is publishing in this journal, such changes in journal status could profoundly affect their ability to compete for an academic livelihood. This permutation probably would have gone unnoticed but for a letter published in the September 11, 2008, issue of Nature. Subsequent reaction by Thomson Reuters was swift: just 4 weeks later on October 9, 2008, in Nature, James Testa reported that self-citation is ‘‘reviewed each year’’ and that journals will be removed from Journal Citation Reports until the ‘‘problem of excessive self-citation resolves and we can publish an accurate impact factor.’’ One strategy by journal editors to manipulate the journal impact factor has been to demand that authors cite articles from recent years of the journal (ie, self-citation). Thomson Reuters does not provide any criteria for acceptable self-citation, although it has been reported that up to 20% self-citation is common in most journals listed in the Journal Citation Reports. Received December 29, 2008. Accepted for publication December 29, 2008.

Health and human services for persons who stutter and education of logopedists in East-European countries

The International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics (IALP) assessed the therapy status of fluency disorders, service opportunities, and education of logopedists (speech-language pathologists) with a mail survey in Eastern Europe. Information was collected on the following aspects: incidence, prevalence, availability of information, non-therapeutic support for persons who stutter (PWS), providers of diagnostics and therapy, cooperating professionals, therapy approaches, forms, goals, financing, early detection and prevention, training of professionals, specialization in stuttering therapy, needs for improving the situation of PWS, and problems which hinder better care. Stuttering therapy for children is available in many countries and is frequently provided by the educational system. Therapy for adults is provided best by the health services but is not satisfactorily available everywhere. Modern therapeutic approaches coexist with obsolete ones. Lack of resources, awareness, entitlement, and assessment of therapy effectiveness are pervasive problems. Educational objectives: Readers will be able to describe and evaluate: (1) the therapy status of fluency disorders and service opportunities in various East-European countries; (2) the training of logopedists (speech-language pathologists); (3) specialization in stuttering therapy; and (4) the organizational services for PWS within the health and human service systems.

Voice Research and Treatment in the Czech Republic

Voice Research and Treatment in the Czech Republic

Issues of Japanese Speech Therapy Education Considering the 1995 Guidelines of International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics (IALP)

The historical background of the educational system for Japanese speech and language therapists (pathologists) and the challenge facing us today are reviewed. It took nearly 30 years for speech therapists and physicians to come to a consensus in defining the status of speech therapists (pathologists) and their educational curriculum before the 1997 national law for Japanese speech therapists was passed. Despite the formulation of the International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics (IALP) Education Guidelines of 1995, little attention was paid to incorporate it into the 1997 national law. This paper discusses some challenges in the area of speech therapists’ status and education system that exist today.

Stuttering Research and Treatment Around the World: Sweden

Stuttering Research and Treatment Around the World: Sweden

Letter to the individual members of the International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics (IALP)

Letter to the individual members of the International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics (IALP)

The Root of Logopedics and Phoniatrics and their Development in Japan

The root of logopedics and phoniatrics may date back to the middle of 19th century. At that time, many scholars such as Helmholtz, Broca and Wernicke reported their important findings on hearing, laryngeal physiology and language disorders.In 1854, Garcia first observed living human larynx using a dental mirror. This was followed by Czermak, who applied this new technique to clinical diagnosis of laryngeal pathologies. In this era subspecialization of each existing speciality developed in medicine.From late 19th century to early 20th century, logopedics and phoniatrics developed gradually in European countries. Above all, Gutzmann in Berlin attracted many scientists to his specialized department.Later in 1911, Froschels opened his logopedic and phoniatric clinic in the Department of Otolaryngology, University of Vienna. Based on his conference on the speech disorders, IALP (International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics) eventually storted in 1924.In Japan, it took a long time until the establishment of the Japan Society of Logopedics and Phoniatrics by Prof. Satta in 1956.

International association of logopedics and phoniatrics (IALP) voice committee discussion of assessment topics

International association of logopedics and phoniatrics (IALP) voice committee discussion of assessment topics