Recovery from Diffuse Brain Injuries: Two Case Studies

Abstract

Subarachnoid hemorrhages (SAHs) are grave medical emergencies, whereas 30-50% of all SAHs may ultimately result in death. Subarachnoid hemorrhages share many resemblances with other neurological traumas such as a cerebral vascular accident, meningitis, and/or traumatic brain injury. Autoimmune encephalopathies (AE) occur when human antibodies assault the body's cell surfaces and/or synaptic proteins. Consequently, widespread nervous system and diffuse brain involvement may occur.With subarachnoid hemorrhages and autoimmune encephalopathies, multiple areas of cognition and language can be impaired. Case studies in communication sciences and disorders are underutilized, yet are important in evidenced-based practice. Speechlanguage pathologists in medical settings have worked with patients and families with similar types of disorders. Therefore, speech-language pathologists should be well equipped to provide therapy with these types of injuries. This chapter presents two case studies and cognitive language rehabilitation strategies following diffuse brain injuries.

Assessing Language Skills in Bilingual Children: Current Trends in Research and Practice

“…Aside from the lack of norm-referenced tests for bilingual children and ambiguity on best practices from ASHA and IDEA, two additional, related barriers to bilingual assessment are (1) if the SLP is not proficient in one or more of the child's languages 29 30 and (2) if the SLP does not possess adequate knowledge on how to assess the bilingual child. 31 These barriers dramatically affect the accurate interpretation of evaluation results.…”

“…11 12 30 36 37 Thus, SLPs, teachers, families, and other clinicians must collaborate with an interpreter who is professionally trained, familiar with the child's linguistic and cultural profile, possesses knowledge and terminology about speech and language norms across both languages, is proficient in both languages, understands why testing is indicated, and maintains confidentiality. 11 12 29 30 36 This collaboration ensures best practice and, most importantly, that the child is appropriately assessed. Although this ideal scenario may take time and education, assessment can be accomplished by working with those who interact with the child most frequently (e.g., a teacher, parent, or cultural broker).…”