In this course the students are invited for the first time to associate the academic knowledge with the clinical practice and make observation of the verbal and non-verbal communication in typical and non-typical developed populations. In particular, students are trained in basic methods of assessing communication disorders, such as collecting information from the patient’s case history and the orofacial examination. Additionally, they are trained to the use of standardized and non- standardized assessment tools for the diagnosis of clinical cases (children and or adults).
Later on, students analyze the assessment findings and for the first time they are guided to formulate appropriate long-term and short-term goals in evidence-based therapy sessions. Their clinical hours are carried out in children and adult settings, under the supervision of certified speech language therapists.

Specifically, the student will be able to:

• Recognize, describe and understand verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Gather accurate background information.
• Conduct an orofacial examination.
• Implement non-standardized assessment tools for both pediatric and adult speech- language disorders.
• Administrate standardized assessment tests in pre-school and school aged children as well as in adults.
• Analyze the results of assessment findings and formulate appropriate long-terms, short- terms goals and SOAP notes in evidence-based therapy sessions.
• Synthesize customized therapeutic protocols and apply proper rehabilitation programs through the formulation of short and long-term therapeutic goals.
• Update systematically the patient’s clinical file.

• Adaptation to new situations
• Decision making
• Demonstration of social, professional and ethical responsibility
• Efficient search, analysis, and synthesis of data and information using the essential technologies
• Exercise criticism and self-criticism
• Generation of new research ideas
• Group work
• Independent Assignment
• Promotion of free, creative and inductive thinking
• Respect for diversity and multiculturalism

During the 13 weeks of Clinical Practicum-1, emphasis is given to the observation, organization, planning and management of diagnostic sessions in order the students to understand the way of communication, behavioural processes and the (establishment) consolidation of the client-therapist relationship. Clinical Practicum-1 complements the theoretical training that students acquire and combines theoretical knowledge with practical application and experience. The clinical practicum of the students takes place in children and adult settings under the supervision of certified speech language therapists.

Τhe course is developed in 13 lessons. Units: 

• Interview with the parent/s
• Download History
• Conducting an oral examination
• Use of non-standardized unweighted and weighted (standardized) evaluation methods
• Writing ή propose short and long term goals
• Writing (conducting) an evaluation report
• Writing session plans
• Application of speech therapy techniques
• Data collection during the session
• Writing SOAP note
• Presentation of cases by each student (portfolio)

1. Written final exam (50%) that includes:
   1. Multiple choice tests.
   2. Short answer questions.
2. Individual presentation of each student's cases through the portfolio (50%)
   1. Case management skills in clinics (10%)
   2. Clinical practice (20%)
   3. Individual assignments (10%)
   4. Student files (10%)

Maximum absences: 2

Books

• Flasher, L. V., & Fogle, P. T. (2012). Counseling skills for speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Cengage Learning.
• Hegde, M. N., & Davis, D. (2009). Clinical methods and practicum in speech-language pathology. Nelson Education.
• Kittel, A. M. (2014). Myofunktionelle Therapie. Schulz-Kirchner Verlag GmbH.
• Dwight, D. M. (2006). Here's how to do therapy: Hands-on core skills in speech-language pathology. Plural Publishing
• Hambrecht, G., & Rice, T. (2019). Clinical Assessment workbook for communication sciences and disorders. San Diego: Plural.

Related scientific journals

• Logopedics Phoniatrics Vocology
• International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
• American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
• Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research 

https://eclass.uop.gr/courses/2533/