The evaluation of cognitive-communication disorders is performed with several types of assessment... more The evaluation of cognitive-communication disorders is performed with several types of assessment methods. These methods include different types of cognitive and language tests such as the Arizona Battery for Communication Disorders of Dementia (ABCD). The present study aimed to validate the ABCD in the Greek language. 132 individuals participated in the study: 60 adults in cognitive health (ACH) and 72 patients [24 Parkinson Disease (PD) patients without cognitive impairment, 24 with Parkinson Disease Dementia (PDD) and 24 with Alzheimer's Disease (AD)]. The cognitive and mental status of all participants was estimated by means of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS), the Clock Drawing Test (CDT), the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (H-NPI) the Geriatric Depression Scale -15 (GDS-15) and the ABCD. Statistically significant differences were found between all tests administered with the P...
Indications of the communicative abilities of the Rett Syndrome (RTT) are distinct with impending... more Indications of the communicative abilities of the Rett Syndrome (RTT) are distinct with impending speech-language and communication abilities; thus, assessment is challenging. This review aims to support the clinical work of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) while assessing the communication aptitudes of children with RTT. Adequate consideration should be given to their nonverbal skills since they can demonstrate suitable forms and functions in communication development. During this outlined assessment procedure, attention is drawn to medical and developmental history, informal and formal speech-language evaluation, and analysis of aided language samples while setting up intervention therapy objectives. The assessment procedure in this review describes current principles and methods for nonbiased, appropriate evaluation while providing a beneficial and suitable protocol for the comprehensive communication assessment of RTT.
This study examined the validity of the Greek version of the Societal Attitudes Towards Autism (S... more This study examined the validity of the Greek version of the Societal Attitudes Towards Autism (SATA) scale in a Greek community sample (n = 633) and explored how the demographic variables of the sample modulate knowledge and attitudes regarding people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The principal component analysis confirmed the three-dimension model and explained 40.5% of the variance. All Cronbach’s alpha values obtained were over 0.70. SATA’s subscales were significantly and positively correlated, indicating good internal reliability. Participants presented moderate knowledge about ASD and mediocre positive attitudes towards people with ASD. Gender, age, and educational level significantly affected SATA total scores. Overall, this Greek version of SATA showed acceptable psychometric properties, indicating that can be a reliable scale for use.
Purpose:The Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool (Pedi - EAT - 10) is a clinical screening tool that ... more Purpose:The Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool (Pedi - EAT - 10) is a clinical screening tool that has been designed to assess pediatric patients at risk of penetration and/or aspiration symptoms of dysphagia, reported by parents or caregivers. The aim of this study was to translate and validate Pedi-EAT-10 in Greek language and to correlate its results with the Penetration and Aspiration scale (PAS) and pharyngeal residue. Methods: This study included sample of 222 parents or caregivers who have children with and without feeding and/or swallowing disorders. The children were randomly selected from cypriot public school, cypriot special public school, and the Speech, Language, and Hearing clinic of the European University of Cyprus; the children’s parents filled out the Pedi-EAΤ-10 questionnaire. For test-retest reliability, all participants administered the Pedi-EAT-10 again once more 2 weeks after the initial administration. Results: Validity was established by comparing the scores ...
2022 International Symposium on Multidisciplinary Studies and Innovative Technologies (ISMSIT)
Artificial Intelligence and machine learning become more and more crucial for participating in th... more Artificial Intelligence and machine learning become more and more crucial for participating in the role of digital entities in various projects. One of these projects could be the resonance disorders and nasality problems as terms referring to a problem that can be recognized during speech production in both children and adults. The previous conditions can be detected by Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) by using various technology assessment procedures. Especially, low technology procedures are based majorly on the experience of the examiners and their perceptions leading to difficulty in clinical decision-making. The purpose of the current study was to explore the dynamics of implementing an auditory-perceptual evaluation protocol inside an artificial intelligence (AI) system in monolingual Greek-speaking preschool children. The consensus auditory-perceptual evaluation protocol of nasalance was administrated three times to one hundred children and every response was digitally recorded. Three SLPs, after training, evaluated all the participants’ recordings based on the predetermined protocol. The results revealed that the AI scheme could be used to improve assessment outcomes of resonance problems in preschool children. The above finding could lead to better and more accurate clinical decision-making and diagnostic accuracy of nasality.
Purpose This study aimed to outline the changing forms of speech-language pathology practices, fo... more Purpose This study aimed to outline the changing forms of speech-language pathology practices, for both clinical services, as well as the profession's education and practicum training in the time of COVID-19 at the European University Cyprus (EUC). This study also aimed to document the steps taken to continue service delivery safely and effectively for both the EUC's Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic's clients and the speech-language therapy students completing their practicum. Method The steps for the access to and continuity of speech-language therapy services and education/training are outlined chronologically, throughout the different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic status in the country. The rise of telepractice, telesupervision, and distance learning, adapted as solutions to the obstacles caused by the pandemic, are explained in detail, while the benefits and limitations are discussed at each step. The professional development that had to take place before this r...
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2022
To investigate the effects of group therapy on Alzheimer's patients as well as the impact of ... more To investigate the effects of group therapy on Alzheimer's patients as well as the impact of the frequency of the therapeutic intervention programs on their well being. The sample consisted of 16 adults with an average age of 80, with Alzheimer's. Each individual was evaluated with "MoCA","Mini Mental State Examination", Drawing Clock Test & "Trail Making Test" to assess their cognitive and language skills. According to the severity of the disease & their skills, the individuals were divided into 2 groups. During the rehabilitation intervention program the therapists applied Group Therapy using the Montessori approach. They also used the Memory strategy "RECAPS" and the Communication Strategy "MESSAGE". "ITHAKI Day Care Center", a non profit organization. The sample consisted of 16 Alzheimer's patients with an average age of 80. Diagnosed in stages 2 & 3 of severity. They received group therapy 3 times weekly for hourly sessions in speech therapy, social & cognitive skills. MEMORY STRATEGY GROUP THERAPY/ MONTESSORI METHOD Duration: 8 months spread out in year 2020 (due to COVID19). The appropriateness and efficacy of the therapeutic intervention programs used & the impact of group therapy on the well being of these patients. The results showed that the rehabilitation program and specifically Group Therapy supported the patients in many ways. It increased their attention, functional skills and cognitive levels. Their active participation and teamwork spirits levelled up, they showed improved communication and social skills with the other group members and they were much more enthusiastic and positive for life. Findings of the research gave information on how Group Therapy and other strategies can support adults with Alzheimer's to stabilize or to improve their cognitive, communication and social skills Additional study is required before the information should be used in usual clinical settings as the sample is very small and the intervention was interrupted twice unexpectedly due to pandemic conditions and restrictions. I declare no conflicts or lack thereof.
Supplemental material, sj-pdf-1-cdq-10.1177_15257401211017065 for Evaluation of Diadochokinesis i... more Supplemental material, sj-pdf-1-cdq-10.1177_15257401211017065 for Evaluation of Diadochokinesis in Greek Preschoolers With Speech Sound Disorders Using a Diadochokinetic Rates Protocol by Dionysios Tafiadis, Vasiliki Zarokanellou, Louiza Voniati, Alexandra Prentza, Konstantinos Drosos, Angelos Papadopoulos and Nafsika Ziavra in Communication Disorders Quarterly
Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 2022
ABSTRACT Introduction The present study aims to be the first to validate the Tuokko version of th... more ABSTRACT Introduction The present study aims to be the first to validate the Tuokko version of the Clock Drawing Test (CDT) and estimate its cutoff score after its translation into the Greek language and administration in the Greek population. Methods One hundred and thirty-two individuals participated in this study [60 with Good Cognitive Health (GCH), 24 with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), 24 with Parkinson’s Disease Dementia (PDD) and 24 with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)]. The CDT was administered to all participants. Additionally, the cognitive and mental status of the sample were estimated through the use of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS), Arizona Battery for Communication Disorders of Dementia (ABCD), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (H-NPI) and the Geriatric Depression Scale −15 (GDS-15). Results Statistically significant differences were found between all groups on the CDT, with AD patients having lower scores than all subgroups in the study. The CDT showed a high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.832). The ROC analysis provided a cutoff point equal to 4.00 (AUC: 0.821, p < 0.001) between the Cognitively Unimpaired Group (CUG: GCH and PD group) and the Cognitively Impaired Group (CIG: PPD and AD patients), 5.00 (AUC: 0.845, p < 0.001) between the GCH group and the PDD group, and 4.00 (AUC: 0.780, p < 0.001) between the GCH group and the AD group. Finally, the cutoff point between the PD group and the PDD group was 4.00 (AUC: 0.896, p < 0.005), and 3.00 (AUC: 0.899, p < 0.001) between the PD group and the AD group. Significant positive Pearson’s correlations were observed between CDT and MMSE (r = 0.808, p < 0.001), CDT and AMTS (r = 0.688, p < 0.001), CDT and ABCD (r = 0.770, p < 0.001), CDT and the ABCD Visuospatial Construction subdomain (r = 0.880, p < 0.001); while a negative correlation was found between CDT and IADL (r = −0.627, p < 0.001) between the CUG and the CIG groups. Conclusion Given the results obtained, the CDT appears to be a clinically valid screening instrument for the assessment of visuospatial abilities, with high reliability in Greek populations with cognitive impairment.
The main objective of the research was to investigate the perspectives of bilingual Cypriot child... more The main objective of the research was to investigate the perspectives of bilingual Cypriot children parents on their children language development (comprehension, expression and use). Twenty five bilingual families, from different geographical parts of Cyprus participated, where only one of the two parents was Greek Cypriot and the child was between 3 and 8 years of age. The investigation excluded bilingual/multilingual families with children not in the assigned age range or, with one parent not having a Greek Cypriot origin. The research took place at the Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic of the European University Cyprus. For the completion of the research, a questionnaire was designed. It consisted of 34 questions divided into the following sections: the family language, the language development of the bilingual child, the social environment and relevant attitudes. A quantitative approach was used in the collection and analysis of the data. The results from the analysis indic...
Evidence-Based Communication Assessment and Intervention, 2021
Language sampling (LS) is a procedure based on the collection and transcription of a true languag... more Language sampling (LS) is a procedure based on the collection and transcription of a true language sample; thus, it provides the means for analysis of language production in a variety of speaking c...
This study examined the performance of Greek monolingual typically developing (TD) children on di... more This study examined the performance of Greek monolingual typically developing (TD) children on diadochokinetic (DDK) rates in real words and non-words and attempted to establish normative data for Greek. The effects of age, type of stimuli and gender were investigated. A total of 380 children aged 4.0–15.0 years as well as a control group of 313 adults participated in the study. Age significantly affected DDK performance, yet normative data differ from other studies. DDK rates for bisyllabic stimuli were faster than DDK rates for trisyllabic stimuli and real words were articulated faster than non-words. Adolescents aged 13.0–15.0 years were slower than adults both in real word and in non-word /ˈpataka/ repetition. Additionally, overall boys were significantly faster than girls. These findings show the need to: (a) implement real word stimuli in DDK tasks in order to better depict an individual’s oral-motor abilities and (b) establish language-specific normative data for TD children.
The study aimed at evaluating the diadochokinetic (DDK) skills of Greek-speaking preschool childr... more The study aimed at evaluating the diadochokinetic (DDK) skills of Greek-speaking preschool children with phonological disorder (PD) by means of a structured evaluation protocol and at proposing cut-off points for children at risk of speech impairment. The participants were 36 children with PD and 60 typically developing (TD) peers. The groups were matched on age and gender. The PD group performed significantly slower than the TD group in all speech DDK tasks but not in the oral-motor tasks. The ROC analysis showed a statistically significant positive discrimination for all speech tasks. The internal consistency of the protocol was excellent (Cronbach’s α = .844), while complex stimuli showed a better discriminatory ability. The obtained results agree with Dodd’s classification for speech sound disorders (SSDs). Different types of speech stimuli must be included in the evaluation of DDK performance as a clinical predictor for preschoolers with SSDs who face difficulties in speech mat...
Objectives: The aims of this study were: (1) to investigate the effect of colorful semantics (CS)... more Objectives: The aims of this study were: (1) to investigate the effect of colorful semantics (CS) on the morphosyntactic and semantic development of Cypriot-Greek (CG)-speaking children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to obtain a better understanding of its role in an augmentative communication (AC) intervention program; (2) to address the paucity of intervention tools geared for CG-speaking children with ASD. Participants and Methods: The study included 24 boys and 16 girls with ASD, all preschool-aged 4–6 years. All were verbal but with limited production and minimal mean length of utterance. The study followed a randomized control trial design with equally sized experimental and control groups. The experimental group followed a therapeutic program using the AC with a CS protocol, while the control group’s AC intervention did not include the CS protocol. Results: The use of CS significantly improved the children’s semantic and morphosyntactic development. Conclusions: The inte...
The evaluation of cognitive-communication disorders is performed with several types of assessment... more The evaluation of cognitive-communication disorders is performed with several types of assessment methods. These methods include different types of cognitive and language tests such as the Arizona Battery for Communication Disorders of Dementia (ABCD). The present study aimed to validate the ABCD in the Greek language. 132 individuals participated in the study: 60 adults in cognitive health (ACH) and 72 patients [24 Parkinson Disease (PD) patients without cognitive impairment, 24 with Parkinson Disease Dementia (PDD) and 24 with Alzheimer's Disease (AD)]. The cognitive and mental status of all participants was estimated by means of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS), the Clock Drawing Test (CDT), the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (H-NPI) the Geriatric Depression Scale -15 (GDS-15) and the ABCD. Statistically significant differences were found between all tests administered with the P...
Indications of the communicative abilities of the Rett Syndrome (RTT) are distinct with impending... more Indications of the communicative abilities of the Rett Syndrome (RTT) are distinct with impending speech-language and communication abilities; thus, assessment is challenging. This review aims to support the clinical work of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) while assessing the communication aptitudes of children with RTT. Adequate consideration should be given to their nonverbal skills since they can demonstrate suitable forms and functions in communication development. During this outlined assessment procedure, attention is drawn to medical and developmental history, informal and formal speech-language evaluation, and analysis of aided language samples while setting up intervention therapy objectives. The assessment procedure in this review describes current principles and methods for nonbiased, appropriate evaluation while providing a beneficial and suitable protocol for the comprehensive communication assessment of RTT.
This study examined the validity of the Greek version of the Societal Attitudes Towards Autism (S... more This study examined the validity of the Greek version of the Societal Attitudes Towards Autism (SATA) scale in a Greek community sample (n = 633) and explored how the demographic variables of the sample modulate knowledge and attitudes regarding people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The principal component analysis confirmed the three-dimension model and explained 40.5% of the variance. All Cronbach’s alpha values obtained were over 0.70. SATA’s subscales were significantly and positively correlated, indicating good internal reliability. Participants presented moderate knowledge about ASD and mediocre positive attitudes towards people with ASD. Gender, age, and educational level significantly affected SATA total scores. Overall, this Greek version of SATA showed acceptable psychometric properties, indicating that can be a reliable scale for use.
Purpose:The Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool (Pedi - EAT - 10) is a clinical screening tool that ... more Purpose:The Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool (Pedi - EAT - 10) is a clinical screening tool that has been designed to assess pediatric patients at risk of penetration and/or aspiration symptoms of dysphagia, reported by parents or caregivers. The aim of this study was to translate and validate Pedi-EAT-10 in Greek language and to correlate its results with the Penetration and Aspiration scale (PAS) and pharyngeal residue. Methods: This study included sample of 222 parents or caregivers who have children with and without feeding and/or swallowing disorders. The children were randomly selected from cypriot public school, cypriot special public school, and the Speech, Language, and Hearing clinic of the European University of Cyprus; the children’s parents filled out the Pedi-EAΤ-10 questionnaire. For test-retest reliability, all participants administered the Pedi-EAT-10 again once more 2 weeks after the initial administration. Results: Validity was established by comparing the scores ...
2022 International Symposium on Multidisciplinary Studies and Innovative Technologies (ISMSIT)
Artificial Intelligence and machine learning become more and more crucial for participating in th... more Artificial Intelligence and machine learning become more and more crucial for participating in the role of digital entities in various projects. One of these projects could be the resonance disorders and nasality problems as terms referring to a problem that can be recognized during speech production in both children and adults. The previous conditions can be detected by Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) by using various technology assessment procedures. Especially, low technology procedures are based majorly on the experience of the examiners and their perceptions leading to difficulty in clinical decision-making. The purpose of the current study was to explore the dynamics of implementing an auditory-perceptual evaluation protocol inside an artificial intelligence (AI) system in monolingual Greek-speaking preschool children. The consensus auditory-perceptual evaluation protocol of nasalance was administrated three times to one hundred children and every response was digitally recorded. Three SLPs, after training, evaluated all the participants’ recordings based on the predetermined protocol. The results revealed that the AI scheme could be used to improve assessment outcomes of resonance problems in preschool children. The above finding could lead to better and more accurate clinical decision-making and diagnostic accuracy of nasality.
Purpose This study aimed to outline the changing forms of speech-language pathology practices, fo... more Purpose This study aimed to outline the changing forms of speech-language pathology practices, for both clinical services, as well as the profession's education and practicum training in the time of COVID-19 at the European University Cyprus (EUC). This study also aimed to document the steps taken to continue service delivery safely and effectively for both the EUC's Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic's clients and the speech-language therapy students completing their practicum. Method The steps for the access to and continuity of speech-language therapy services and education/training are outlined chronologically, throughout the different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic status in the country. The rise of telepractice, telesupervision, and distance learning, adapted as solutions to the obstacles caused by the pandemic, are explained in detail, while the benefits and limitations are discussed at each step. The professional development that had to take place before this r...
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2022
To investigate the effects of group therapy on Alzheimer's patients as well as the impact of ... more To investigate the effects of group therapy on Alzheimer's patients as well as the impact of the frequency of the therapeutic intervention programs on their well being. The sample consisted of 16 adults with an average age of 80, with Alzheimer's. Each individual was evaluated with "MoCA","Mini Mental State Examination", Drawing Clock Test & "Trail Making Test" to assess their cognitive and language skills. According to the severity of the disease & their skills, the individuals were divided into 2 groups. During the rehabilitation intervention program the therapists applied Group Therapy using the Montessori approach. They also used the Memory strategy "RECAPS" and the Communication Strategy "MESSAGE". "ITHAKI Day Care Center", a non profit organization. The sample consisted of 16 Alzheimer's patients with an average age of 80. Diagnosed in stages 2 & 3 of severity. They received group therapy 3 times weekly for hourly sessions in speech therapy, social & cognitive skills. MEMORY STRATEGY GROUP THERAPY/ MONTESSORI METHOD Duration: 8 months spread out in year 2020 (due to COVID19). The appropriateness and efficacy of the therapeutic intervention programs used & the impact of group therapy on the well being of these patients. The results showed that the rehabilitation program and specifically Group Therapy supported the patients in many ways. It increased their attention, functional skills and cognitive levels. Their active participation and teamwork spirits levelled up, they showed improved communication and social skills with the other group members and they were much more enthusiastic and positive for life. Findings of the research gave information on how Group Therapy and other strategies can support adults with Alzheimer's to stabilize or to improve their cognitive, communication and social skills Additional study is required before the information should be used in usual clinical settings as the sample is very small and the intervention was interrupted twice unexpectedly due to pandemic conditions and restrictions. I declare no conflicts or lack thereof.
Supplemental material, sj-pdf-1-cdq-10.1177_15257401211017065 for Evaluation of Diadochokinesis i... more Supplemental material, sj-pdf-1-cdq-10.1177_15257401211017065 for Evaluation of Diadochokinesis in Greek Preschoolers With Speech Sound Disorders Using a Diadochokinetic Rates Protocol by Dionysios Tafiadis, Vasiliki Zarokanellou, Louiza Voniati, Alexandra Prentza, Konstantinos Drosos, Angelos Papadopoulos and Nafsika Ziavra in Communication Disorders Quarterly
Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 2022
ABSTRACT Introduction The present study aims to be the first to validate the Tuokko version of th... more ABSTRACT Introduction The present study aims to be the first to validate the Tuokko version of the Clock Drawing Test (CDT) and estimate its cutoff score after its translation into the Greek language and administration in the Greek population. Methods One hundred and thirty-two individuals participated in this study [60 with Good Cognitive Health (GCH), 24 with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), 24 with Parkinson’s Disease Dementia (PDD) and 24 with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)]. The CDT was administered to all participants. Additionally, the cognitive and mental status of the sample were estimated through the use of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS), Arizona Battery for Communication Disorders of Dementia (ABCD), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (H-NPI) and the Geriatric Depression Scale −15 (GDS-15). Results Statistically significant differences were found between all groups on the CDT, with AD patients having lower scores than all subgroups in the study. The CDT showed a high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.832). The ROC analysis provided a cutoff point equal to 4.00 (AUC: 0.821, p < 0.001) between the Cognitively Unimpaired Group (CUG: GCH and PD group) and the Cognitively Impaired Group (CIG: PPD and AD patients), 5.00 (AUC: 0.845, p < 0.001) between the GCH group and the PDD group, and 4.00 (AUC: 0.780, p < 0.001) between the GCH group and the AD group. Finally, the cutoff point between the PD group and the PDD group was 4.00 (AUC: 0.896, p < 0.005), and 3.00 (AUC: 0.899, p < 0.001) between the PD group and the AD group. Significant positive Pearson’s correlations were observed between CDT and MMSE (r = 0.808, p < 0.001), CDT and AMTS (r = 0.688, p < 0.001), CDT and ABCD (r = 0.770, p < 0.001), CDT and the ABCD Visuospatial Construction subdomain (r = 0.880, p < 0.001); while a negative correlation was found between CDT and IADL (r = −0.627, p < 0.001) between the CUG and the CIG groups. Conclusion Given the results obtained, the CDT appears to be a clinically valid screening instrument for the assessment of visuospatial abilities, with high reliability in Greek populations with cognitive impairment.
The main objective of the research was to investigate the perspectives of bilingual Cypriot child... more The main objective of the research was to investigate the perspectives of bilingual Cypriot children parents on their children language development (comprehension, expression and use). Twenty five bilingual families, from different geographical parts of Cyprus participated, where only one of the two parents was Greek Cypriot and the child was between 3 and 8 years of age. The investigation excluded bilingual/multilingual families with children not in the assigned age range or, with one parent not having a Greek Cypriot origin. The research took place at the Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic of the European University Cyprus. For the completion of the research, a questionnaire was designed. It consisted of 34 questions divided into the following sections: the family language, the language development of the bilingual child, the social environment and relevant attitudes. A quantitative approach was used in the collection and analysis of the data. The results from the analysis indic...
Evidence-Based Communication Assessment and Intervention, 2021
Language sampling (LS) is a procedure based on the collection and transcription of a true languag... more Language sampling (LS) is a procedure based on the collection and transcription of a true language sample; thus, it provides the means for analysis of language production in a variety of speaking c...
This study examined the performance of Greek monolingual typically developing (TD) children on di... more This study examined the performance of Greek monolingual typically developing (TD) children on diadochokinetic (DDK) rates in real words and non-words and attempted to establish normative data for Greek. The effects of age, type of stimuli and gender were investigated. A total of 380 children aged 4.0–15.0 years as well as a control group of 313 adults participated in the study. Age significantly affected DDK performance, yet normative data differ from other studies. DDK rates for bisyllabic stimuli were faster than DDK rates for trisyllabic stimuli and real words were articulated faster than non-words. Adolescents aged 13.0–15.0 years were slower than adults both in real word and in non-word /ˈpataka/ repetition. Additionally, overall boys were significantly faster than girls. These findings show the need to: (a) implement real word stimuli in DDK tasks in order to better depict an individual’s oral-motor abilities and (b) establish language-specific normative data for TD children.
The study aimed at evaluating the diadochokinetic (DDK) skills of Greek-speaking preschool childr... more The study aimed at evaluating the diadochokinetic (DDK) skills of Greek-speaking preschool children with phonological disorder (PD) by means of a structured evaluation protocol and at proposing cut-off points for children at risk of speech impairment. The participants were 36 children with PD and 60 typically developing (TD) peers. The groups were matched on age and gender. The PD group performed significantly slower than the TD group in all speech DDK tasks but not in the oral-motor tasks. The ROC analysis showed a statistically significant positive discrimination for all speech tasks. The internal consistency of the protocol was excellent (Cronbach’s α = .844), while complex stimuli showed a better discriminatory ability. The obtained results agree with Dodd’s classification for speech sound disorders (SSDs). Different types of speech stimuli must be included in the evaluation of DDK performance as a clinical predictor for preschoolers with SSDs who face difficulties in speech mat...
Objectives: The aims of this study were: (1) to investigate the effect of colorful semantics (CS)... more Objectives: The aims of this study were: (1) to investigate the effect of colorful semantics (CS) on the morphosyntactic and semantic development of Cypriot-Greek (CG)-speaking children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to obtain a better understanding of its role in an augmentative communication (AC) intervention program; (2) to address the paucity of intervention tools geared for CG-speaking children with ASD. Participants and Methods: The study included 24 boys and 16 girls with ASD, all preschool-aged 4–6 years. All were verbal but with limited production and minimal mean length of utterance. The study followed a randomized control trial design with equally sized experimental and control groups. The experimental group followed a therapeutic program using the AC with a CS protocol, while the control group’s AC intervention did not include the CS protocol. Results: The use of CS significantly improved the children’s semantic and morphosyntactic development. Conclusions: The inte...
Uploads
Papers by Louiza Voniati