Speech-Language Pathology: Intervention and Management
This domain tests goal writing, treatment selection, dosage, data collection, generalization, and family-centered practice. Items often present a profile and ask for the best initial target or the strongest progress measure.
Core rules
- Write measurable goals with a target behavior, criterion, context, and timeline. Baseline first, then probe regularly.
- Phonological intervention uses minimal pairs, cycles, or complexity approaches. Articulation therapy uses placement, shaping, and massed practice.
- Language intervention can be child-centered, clinician-directed, or hybrid; choose based on age, profile, and evidence.
- Fluency treatment includes fluency shaping and stuttering modification; preschool stuttering may use the Lidcombe Program. Voice therapy emphasizes hygiene, easy phonation, and carryover.
- Motor speech treatment such as LSVT Loud uses intensive amplitude-based practice. AAC is introduced when speech is insufficient for functional communication.
Worked example
A 4-year-old deletes final consonants in 80% of opportunities. Baseline probes show 20% correct final consonants in single words and 10% in phrases. Choose minimal pairs contrasting final consonant presence and absence, three sessions weekly, with probe data every session. Criterion: 80% correct across three consecutive sessions and in conversational speech. Reasoning: the pattern is phonological, so contrastive treatment targets the rule; the criterion and contexts ensure generalization, not just drill accuracy.
Traps
Do not write goals such as improve speech or increase communication without measurable criteria. Do not train only in the therapy room and assume generalization. Do not mix articulation and phonological goals without a rationale. Do not ignore dosage and fidelity.