Background:My client, D, is a nine year old male. He is diagnosed as delayed speech and language(DSL). D has been recieving speech and language therpy from West Vriginia University Speech and Hearing Center since the summer of 2004. Before he came to WVU, D recieved treatment at his elementarty school. The client has trouble with velopharyngeal closure, syntax, word finding and reading.
Treatment: To work on reading in the past, the clinician would help D read a book from home and help him sound words out. He would then have to answer questions on the story. I have decided to havethe client do sometihning new. D is interested in science. I pick out a science project for us to do in therapy. D will read the instructions to me as we do the project. I believe that since he is more interested in the subject matter and it seems fun to him, that he is reading better. He is also trying harder and showing less frustration.
Evidence: In the article cited below researchers address the topic of using games and fun materials to help children (especially those with learning dissabilities) learn. It focuses on motivation of the children adn how it maintains a positive learning environment for the children.
Deacon, H., Kowalyk, S. (2007) 'Not All Fun and Games'. Literacy Today. 22
My supervisor also suggested that we try to do something that would lean more toward his interest. His frustration with reading was growing and she wanted to make it as smooth as possible for him.
It was also very rough for D's mom to see him struggle. It was upsetting to her and she wanted a setting that would be more postitive for him.
Effectivness: D seemed to really respond positivly to the change in treatment. He went from struggling on every single word and guessing, not even using context clues, to sounding out words with ease. He of course sill has some problems and needs help with a few words but the change had been profound. He takes a lot longer to get frustrated now and focuses more on the reading material. I have seen such a vast improvement!
Monday, October 15, 2007
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