Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices are used by individuals that are unable to successfully communicate with the use of speech or are used to supplement other forms of communication. Children who use AAC devices in their daily lives may be at a higher risk for impairments in their narrative language skills due to many factors. The intent of this scoping review was to examine which factors may influence a child’s narrative language skills when using an AAC device, which other elements of language may be impacted among this population, and which types of intervention have been used in response to these obstacles. This review also discusses further research recommendations.

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the second most common progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by deficits in movement. The effects of PD on verbal communicators have long been known, but little is known of its impact on American Sign Language users (ASL). Due to impairments found in the communication of verbal PD communicators, recent studies have investigated impairments found in ASL PD communicators. Studies have shown deficits in prosody, intonation and articulatory approximations created by PD. Possible associations between an ease of articulation and increased difficulties in perception have been theorized. This literature stipulates possible similarities between the effect of PD on verbal and signed modalities. This literature review will analyze the results of previously conducted studies and speculate recommendations for future research.

Down Syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder associated with craniofacial features that may impact speech intelligibility and cause communication breakdown. Speech intervention has not been investigated in-depth in adults with DS due to the notion that motoric deficits are insensitive to therapy. This review seeks to identify literature pertaining to poor speech intelligibility as a component of communication deficits in this population for the purpose of informing clinical services. The results identified underlying articulatory characteristics that affect the quality and intelligibility of verbal output as well as the positive effect of speech therapy on intelligibility. The literature supports the significance of focusing on motoric-based intervention in adults with DS as well as the need for further research regarding clinical implications.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by varying deficits in social communication and social interactions, and/or restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. The origin of ASD has long been studied and speculated. There is an increased interest in the risks associated with development of ASD. In recent years, parental age has been studied as a possible contributing factor to the development of autism. Studies are investigating the link between maternal and paternal age and autism. Possible associations have been speculated to be increase gene mutations, genetics, high risk pregnancy and lifestyle. This literature to date indicates possible associated factors, but is not yet definitive. This literature review will discuss the results of several studies and the recommendations for future research.

Ototoxicity is damage to inner ear structures resulting from exposure to an ototoxic medication. Ototoxic pharmacotherapy agents are commonly prescribed to treat infectious diseases and cancers. Establishment of an effective ototoxicity monitoring protocol can improve patient quality of life by focusing on feasibility, specificity, and early identification. Currently ototoxicity monitoring protocols exist, however these programs have inconsistency in success. In relation to developing countries, the need for an ototoxicity monitoring protocol is imperative as the use of ototoxic medications increase. However, U.S. guidelines are not feasible for application in these rural, developing countries due to resource restrictions. A literature review was conducted to evaluate the components of current programs. This study aims to propose a protocol that embellishes early identification and intervention through implementation of the most effective, precise, and feasible components.

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic disorder. Individuals with DS experience cognitive and functional deficits, rapid aging and have an increased risk of dementia diagnosis. Dementia results in intellectual difficulties and disturbance to memory and language. It has been reported that approximately 70% of individuals with DS will develop dementia. Due to varying cognitive abilities, concrete diagnosis is challenging. Dementia Scale for Down Syndrome, Dementia Screening Questionnaire for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities, and the Adaptive Behavior Scale are used for dementia diagnosis in individuals with DS. As life expectancy continues to rise and the prevalence of dementia diagnosis is increasing it is important to make early concrete diagnosis in order to provide early treatment. The purpose of this review is to determine the validity of assessment tools used for dementia diagnosis in adults with Down syndrome and recognize symptoms that may be indicators to allow for diagnosis.

Osteoporosis is a disease that affects 7.9 to 22.6% of women in the United States. This illness causes a loss of bone mineral density at different sites of the body. There appears to be a correlation between osteoporosis and sensorineural hearing loss, but studies have displayed conflicting results regarding this association. Furthermore, if this relationship exists, the exact physical cause of the sensorineural hearing loss is unknown. After review of the literature, although some studies denied the existence of a correlation, most research confirmed the relationship between osteoporosis and sensorineural hearing loss. Additionally, some studies have proposed demineralization of the temporal bone, damage to the cochlear nerve, and protein imbalance in the cochlea as some possible causes of sensorineural hearing loss resulting from osteoporosis. Although more research is needed to better understand this association, current literature provides a starting point from which to expand this area of research.

Developmental stuttering affects ~5% of preschool-aged children. While stuttering disappears in the majority of these children within 3 years after onset, it persists into adulthood in 1% of children. Determining anatomical and physiological differences in the brain between persisting and recovering stuttering may lead to early prediction of risk/non-risk, and thus, early intervention can be appropriately implemented.

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is one of the leading causes of non-hereditary newborn hearing losses. Typically children with a hearing loss would receive amplification to help combat the loss; however, new research has shown that children who have cCMV can receive antiviral treatments in lieu of amplification. Ganciclovir and valganciclovir are the antiviral treatments that are currently being used. These antiviral treatments help eliminate the viral load in the blood and thus improve the child’s hearing loss.