Prevention of Speech, Language, and Hearing Disorders Focus of CDC Research

From: PR Newswire (press release), NY - Nov 11, 2005

ROCKVILLE, Md., Nov. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Cochlear implants and the subsequent risk of meningitis, prevalence of autism in several U.S. populations, and the role of in utero cigarette exposure in the etiology of oral facial clefts are the topics of three studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that will be presented at the annual conference of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) on Friday, November 18, 1 - 2 pm, San Diego Convention Center, Room 15A.

"Communication is such a fundamental part of a person's quality of life," said Coleen Boyle, Ph. D, an expert on birth defects and developmental disabilities and primary author of the research. "Working with communication professionals can enhance the potential for a full and productive life for babies, children, and adults. I am delighted to share our public health research to help increase knowledge of the causes of communication disorders and how to prevent them."

A twenty-year CDC veteran, Boyle is Director of the Division of Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities at the CDC's National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities in Atlanta. In 1997 and 2004, she received the CDC Charles C. Shepard Award for scientific excellence. She has authored or coauthored more than 50 scientific publications. Her interest and expertise is in the epidemiology and prevention of developmental disabilities, including mental retardation, cerebral palsy, sensory impairments and autism.

The ASHA convention is the most comprehensive conference for speech- language pathologists, audiologists, and speech, language and hearing scientists, annually attracting approximately 10,000 attendees. "Using Evidence to Support Clinical Practice" is the theme of the 2005 conference, which will offer more than 1500 sessions highlighting the latest developments in research and clinical practices for professionals who provide services in schools, hospitals, health care centers, rehabilitation clinics, and other practice settings.

ASHA is the national professional and scientific association for more than 120,000 audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists. Audiologists specialize in preventing and assessing hearing disorders as well as providing audiologic treatment including hearing aids. Speech-language pathologists identify, assess, and treat speech and language problems including swallowing disorders.

Website: http://www.asha.org/

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