Clinical Advancement in Simulated Environments

Among the communication disorders considered to be fundamental to the scope of practice for speech-language pathologists, stuttering or what is also commonly referred to as a fluency disorder has historically been and continues to be the disorder for which most speech-language pathologists report minimal to no clinical or academic exposure and/or competency. Without adequate treatment for and/or understanding of the complex nature of stuttering, this disorder can and often does impact the academic, emotional, social, and vocational achievements, development, and potential of individuals who stutter. Within the field of speech-language pathology, receipt of the Certificate of Clinical Competence is dependent on the student clinician’s understanding of and ability to provide evidence-based practice. The project seeks to end the substandard cycle of clinical preparation and service through the development of a simulated training program that will facilitate student exposure to the principles of evidence-based practice for stuttering at the earliest possible stage in their academic career. The Clinical Advancement in Simulated Environments program will provide our undergraduate and graduate students with an innovative, interactive opportunity to navigate best assessment and treatment practices for working with preschool, school-age, older adolescents and adults who stutter.