Browsing by Author "Kuruppu, K.A.S.S."

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Deal with Dysfluency (Stammering): An Integrated Approach
(Department of Linguistics, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Kuruppu, K.A.S.S.
Dysfluency/Stammering/Stuttering is a communication disorder and mainly affects the fluency of the speech. British Stammering Association reports that stammering occurs in 5.0% of pre-school age children, 1.2% of school-age children and 1.0% of adults. Stammering affects an individual more than speech alone. Psycho-social impact experienced by children who continue to stammer through their adulthood is enormous. T.S, a female student aged 7 years suffered from Dysfluency. The main objective was to identify the effectiveness of integrated approach on the quality of life of a student with Dysfluency. The relevant data were collected through the case history information, interviews, assessment and via observations. Overt and covert features of her speech skills were identified according to the ice-berg model. Intervention focused on improving non – verbal and verbal behavior of the child‟s communication skills. This included introducing speech tools such as “Easy-On-Set” and “Voluntary Stammering as a desensitisation method. Parents, teachers and peers were also included in the integrated approach. Therapy was provided directly and indirectly. The awareness about Dysfluency among teachers had been increased after they attended the workshop conducted for them. Today, T.S feels much more confident about her speech and she also has developed her confidence to talk about dysfluency with peers. T.S has accepted her dysfluency instead of rejecting it. The success story of T.S. reveals that the importance of integrating professional support to children who stammer along with creating awareness among school teachers and parents of affected children about dysfluency and how they could support them. As a result children who stammer would overcome their problem and integrate freely with the peers and finally improve the quality of their lives by being productive individuals of the society.
Managing and Caring for Clients with Dysphagia: Caregivers’ Perspective
(Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, 2014) Kuruppu, K.A.S.S.; Jayawardana, K.A.S.
Dysphagia has been identified as a life threatening problem in many health care settings. The management of dysphagia usually involves a multidisciplinary team approach where caregivers, clients and various professionals contribute to the management. Caregivers came across a number of barriers during the caring process of dysphagia clients. The perception of the caregivers about the dysphagia, knowledge received by the professionals, effects and adaptations on social and personal life are important to consider as they have an impact on the management procedure in relation to dysphagia. A descriptive cross- sectional study design was implemented. Forty caregivers of neurogenic dysphagic clients who had been referred to the speech therapy unit in the last six months were recruited to the study using purposive sampling. The study consists of both qualitative and quantitative components. The data was collected through an interview administered through a semi structured questionnaire, which was analyzed using frequency analysis and thematic coding analysis. Majority (50%) of the professionals involved in advising caregivers were doctors and speech therapists. 18 doctors and 25 SLTs gave advice orally. Majority (n=14) of the caregivers preferred a combination of giving oral, written and practical advice. The frequency of following the adaptations on feeding techniques was limited as the caregivers thought it was not necessary to always follow the adaptations. Health, occupation, economy and social functions were found to be affected and required adaptations in the caregivers’ life. As most professionals in SL give advice orally, it is important to consider caregivers’ preferences. The importance of increasing awareness in following the adaptations on feeding and nutritional values among the caregivers is indicated in the study findings. Moreover, the effects on caregivers’ social and personal life should be considered in dysphagia management procedures.