In this SIG 2 article series, participants explore special topics in the assessment and treatment of individuals with neurogenic communication disorders. The first article discusses target selection for the assessment and treatment of discourse in people with aphasia, emphasizing the need for alignment with the person’s discourse goals. Then, the second article explores sources of bias in the assessment of Black athletes with sports-related concussion, as well as culturally responsive practices that can mitigate the negative impact of such bias. Finally, the third article is a case study of a person with foreign, or nonnative, accent syndrome. Assessment and behavioral intervention targets that led to his successful diagnosis and treatment are discussed.

Learning Outcomes
You will be able to:

• explain why discourse assessment needs to include the type of discourse that is targeted in therapy
• discuss difference versus disorder as it pertains to the cultural aspects of cognitive processing and communication that may lead to bias against adults who identify as Black
• summarize the role of the speech-language pathologist in the diagnosis and management of functional speech disorders

Assessment Type
Self-assessment—Think about what you learned and report on the Completion Form how you will use your new knowledge.

Articles in This Course

1. Choosing Discourse Types That Align With Person-Centered Goals in Aphasia Rehabilitation: A Clinical Tutorial by Marion C. Leaman and Brent Archer, published in SIG 2, Volume 8, Issue 2, April 5, 2023
2. Eliminating Racial Bias and Challenges for Black Athletes With Sports-Related Concussion: The Role of Speech-Language Pathology by Alaina S. Davis, published in SIG 2, Volume 8, Issue 1, February 8, 2023
3. Identifying and Treating Functional “Nonnative [Foreign] Accent Syndrome”: Perspectives From the Patient and Speech-Language Pathologist by Rene L. Utianski and Michael J. Bridge, published in SIG 2, Volume 9, Issue 1, February 8, 2024