Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

2002

Thesis Director

Gail J. Richard

Abstract

Research studies have suggested improvement in communication deficit areas when sensory integrative techniques involving sensorimotor stimulation are implemented to facilitate speech-language therapy objectives. Therefore, a questionnaire was designed by the examiner to identify the extent of awareness, training, incorporation, and co-treatment of sensorimotor techniques of Illinois speech-language pathologists. The subjects were also asked to rate the effectiveness of different sensorimotor techniques and to rate the benefits when incorporating sensorimotor techniques into therapy. Subjects consisted of 232 speech-language pathologists who completed the questionnaire.

Results revealed that speech-language pathologists working in rehabilitation had a higher awareness level about sensorimotor techniques than those working in other settings. Speech-language pathologists working in private practice had a higher level of training in sensorimotor techniques than those in other settings. The highest level of incorporating sensorimotor techniques and co-treating with occupational therapists was also found in the rehabilitation setting.

Results were evaluated to determine if significant differences existed across the different work settings of speech-language pathologists. Significant differences were found between the work setting groups in their awareness of sensorimotor techniques, their training for sensorimotor techniques, the extent to which speech-language pathologists incorporate sensorimotor techniques, and in co-treatment with occupational therapists.

Results were calculated to see if there was a correlation between speech-language pathologists with training in sensorimotor techniques and incorporation of sensorimotor techniques into therapy. A significant correlation was found between training and incorporation of sensorimotor techniques into therapy.

The respondents were also asked to rate the effectiveness of different types of sensorimotor techniques. Results concluded that visual techniques were less effective than other types of sensorimotor techniques. Oral-motor and multimodality techniques were rated as being the most effective.

Finally, respondents were asked to rate the benefits of sensorimotor techniques. Results indicated that all the developmental areas showed improvement when sensorimotor techniques were incorporated into therapy, with improvement in attention to task having rated as the most benefit of sensorimotor techniques.

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