A - 24 The Influence of Previous History of Speech Therapy on Baseline Neurocognitive Performance

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to document baseline neurocognitive test performance in groups of youth athletes who have received speech therapy services, with or without a diagnosed learning disorder (LD), as compared to youth athletes who have not received speech therapy services. Method Data were extracted from a large sample of youth and young adult athletes (ages 13–22, M = 16.1, SD = 1.9) assigned to independent groups on the basis of self-reported history of receiving ST and previous diagnosis of LD: Controls (N = 8018) Speech Only (N = 3699), LD Only (N = 7731), both Speech and LD (N = 3490). Participants completed baseline ImPACT assessments; dependent variables were Verbal and Visual Memory, Motor Processing Speed, and Reaction Time composite scores, and PCSS scores. Results ANOVAs revealed group differences on all 4 Composite scores and PCSS scores (P = 0.001). Post hoc analyses revealed individuals with a history of Speech & LD scored significantly lower on Verbal Memory, Visual Memory and Motor Speed, and reported significantly more symptoms than those with LD Only who scored significantly lower than those with Speech Only who scores significantly lower than Controls. For Reaction Time, individuals with a history of Speech & LD performed significantly slower than those with LD Only, who scored significantly lower than those with Speech Only and Controls. Conclusions Given the range of services provided within speech therapy, and the range of diagnoses treated by speech therapists, simply having received speech therapy services does not contribute to decreased baseline neurocognitive performance. However, clinicians should screen for the co-morbidity of Speech and Learning Disorders, which interact and decrease baseline neurocognitive performance.