Speech-Language Pathology Research

Learn more about research occurring in the Speech-Language Pathology Program at Central Michigan University.

Aphasia

Aphasia is a communication disability caused by acquired brain damage that affects language and impacts participation, relationships, and quality of life for individuals and their families. Research involving aphasia incorporates the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia, emphasizing living fully despite communication challenges rather than focusing solely on impairments. Current research explores how speech-language pathologists can support identity reconstruction through co-constructed personal narratives, interdisciplinary interventions like songwriting, and maintaining meaningful friendships after aphasia. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT APHASIA RESEARCH AND THE STRONG STORY LAB

Speech science

Speech science research involves using articulatory movement tracking, speech acoustic, and psychophysiological methods to examine factors that affect speech production in healthy speakers and speakers with neurogenic disorders. Current speech science research investigates the effects of speech task and cognitive load on speech motor stability and autonomic nervous system activation in healthy adults and individuals with Parkinson disease.

Literacy and language disorders in children and adolescents

There are a number of research projects related to language and literacy within the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. This research involves both children and adults and is conducted on-site in the Carls Center Clinic and off-site in school settings across mid-Michigan. Language and literacy research focuses on receptive and expressive language, both in oral and written forms.

• This research aims to identify differences in the reading and writing abilities of adolescents and adults with and without literacy disorders. Understanding the differences between these populations assists in the development​ of assessment procedures that accurately identify students with literacy disorders. This research also focuses on the assessment materials used to identify adolescents and adults with writing difficulties, as there is no current standardized diagnostic writing measure that sufficiently assesses writing abilities of adolescents and adults with language disorders and/or learning disabilities.
• Research in this area utilizes local elementary educators in identifying students who need differentiated instruction and evidence-based interventions in the areas of language and literacy, specifically those diagnosed with dyslexia.