Tools for Skeptical Thinking: Evaluating Science and Pseudoscience in Speech-Language Pathology

Session Dates

Monday February 13, 2017 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Closed

Clinicians frequently encounter new therapy procedures or products that appear to be more effective than the ones we currently use. Often these are heavily marketed, and the promoters promise remarkable successes that we and the clients have been hoping for. These products are on social media on the internet, we hear about them from colleagues, and we attend CEU events that encourage their use. But how do we determine if these procedures are actually based on science, or if they are really a form of pseudoscience? How do we remain appropriately skeptical so we don’t fall for quackery and accept things without question? This presentation will help participants learn how to evaluate claims being made about products and procedures so that we select only methods that are evidence and science based. Various examples from autism, voice, language, and speech sound disorders will be provided to practice our skeptical thinking. This will include a deep evaluation of the logic, theory and evidence against the use of nonspeech oral motor exercises (NSOME) to change speech sound productions in children.

Objectives

At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:

  • Discuss the differences between procedures that are based on science and those based on pseudoscience.
  • Effectively use the “tools for skeptical thinking” to help make therapeutic decisions.
  • Describe the tenets of evidence-based, science-based, and practice-based evidence.
  • Evaluate the use of nonspeech oral motor exercises (NSOME) to change speech sound productions and use this information to evaluate other procedures.

Audience

Speech and Language Pathologists

Individuals attending this workshop must arrive on time and stay the duration of the workshop in order to receive Act 48 Professional Education hours.


Topics Covered: Speech & Language

Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate individuals who have special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act and who need assistance at this training. Contact: Distance Learning, 800-446-5607 ext. 6884 or "dlc@pattan.net (Distance Learning)":mailto:dlc@pattan.net

Event Info

Event Type:

Videoconferences

Credit Type:

Act 48 Clock Hour
ASHA
No credit

Presenters:

Dr. Gregory. L. Lof

Event Contact:

Registration:

Distance Learning
dlc@pattan.net
800-446-5607 x6884

Content Contact:

Elizabeth Christopher
echristopher@pattan.net
717-901-2275