Communication and Learning in Natural Environments: Generalization and Collaboration between Speech-Language Pathologists, Educators, and Families

This study focuses on school-based speech language pathology and practicing SLPs perceptions of the current collaboration efforts between themselves, other professionals, and families. The purpose of this study is to understand the current generalization methods and collaborative practices used by SLPs who provide services to school-age children with speech and language impairments. This study involves the analysis of qualitative data through interviews, questions, and analysis of responses. The participants are speech-language pathologists who are currently employed by schools, were employed by schools within the last ten years, or working in schools, but are employed by private practices. The results of this study found that SLPs are engaging in collaboration activities to enhance generalization of speech and language abilities, especially with special education teachers, and that additional collaboration with educators and families would positively impact the generalization ability of students. Also, SLPs said that collaboration is a key factor in their practice, relating to initial and continuing assessment and intervention of students with speech and language impairments. Challenges to collaboration between SLPs and other professionals and ultimate generalization of communication abilities were noted as related to lack of time, a lack of awareness of the nature and role of an SLP, understanding the differences between speech impairments (articulation vs. fluency and voice) and language impairments, and large school populations, which results in less collaboration than in small school populations