NEUROGENIC COMMUNICATION DISORDERS

A proposal is offered to establish a national multi-purpose research and
training center (RTC) on neurogenic communication disorders--speech and
language problems caused by diseases of the nervous system. The plan
includes four components: basic and clinical research, research training,
continuing education, and information dissemination. The research
component contains studies of normal and abnormal function, with components
on speech production and perception, language production and processing,
and cognition. Foremost significance of the research is in relation to
persons with (a) impaired neuromuscular mechanisms that control speech
movements (e.g., dysarthria), (b) impaired neuromotor mechanisms that
program and sequence speech movements (e.g., dyspraxia and dysfluency), and
(c) impaired brain mechanisms that interpret and formulate language symbols
in listening, reading, speaking, and writing (e.g., dysphasia, dementia,
autism, and dyslexia). The research training component includes
predoctoral, postdoctoral, and visiting scientist programs and emphasizes
the recruitment of underrepresented groups. The continuing education
component of the proposal targets physicians and other health professionals
(including speech-language pathologists, psychologists, and nurses) for
advanced training through a variety of delivery methods that range from
symposia to innovative video and computer conferencing. The RTC will
pioneer the establishment of a continuously operating computer network that
will link scientists and clinicians in universities, hospitals, and private
practice nationally and internationally. Another pioneering feature will
be the provision of monthly "tele-rounds," a video conference equivalent to
a medical grand rounds. A special outreach program, in which "tele-rounds"
and computer conferencing are combined, will be developed for physicians
and other clinicians serving American Indians. The information
dissemination component of the RTC is directed toward a vigorous campaign
of public outreach through networking with nationally recognized
organizations related to the content area of the center, innovative media
products such as photonovels and photomural series, and education for
caregivers of individuals with neurogenic communication disorders.