2014V - SLPs Role in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: Assessment and Intervention Considerations

Spinal cord injury is an understudied population in the field of speech-language pathology. Swallowing, voice and cognitive communication disorders are often present post traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injuries, but differ from other neurological disorders. The SLPs knowledge and skills are critical when providing early intervention with this population. Foundational concepts of spinal cord injuries will be presented as they relate to speech language pathology, and evidenced-based assessments and interventions often used for patients with spinal cord injury will be discussed. Dynamic discussion and case study examples will provide practice in clinical decision-making and critical thinking with this unique population.