Group Observation Essay

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The “Loud and Proud” is a speech and communication support group for Parkinson’s Disease (PD). The group is led by a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and consist of approximately 10 to 15 group members. Observation took place on 11/12/2017 at the Teer House; it began at 2:00 PM and ended at 3:00 PM. Meredith Nye was the SLP that conducted the group session made up of 7 males and 5 females. The group members’ age ranged from 50 to 70 years old varying in severity of common PD signs and symptoms . The setting of this observation was in a large business like room where the participants sat around an oval table. In this room were visual aids of voice production strategies, snacks, and refreshments. The SLP led the participants in a variety of …show more content…

The male appeared to be in his 70’s. Akinesia, bradykinesia, and postural abnormalities was observed during the session. For example, his delayed response to questions where his caregiver had to tap him before he answered indicating bradykinesia. Akinesia was expected from his reduced limb gestures during speech. A wheelchair appeared to be his primary mode of transportation suggesting he may have difficulty maintaining balance while walking. His vocal intensity was significantly lower than the female patient as well as a more harsher vocal quality. Additionally, he exhibited short rushes of speech. Likewise to the female participant, I suspect basal ganglia dysfunction may have caused these symptoms (Duffy, 2013).
From having this opportunity, I was able to “put a face” with a particular MSD. It established connections of the information gained from the textbook to an actual individual with a MSD. For example, I was having difficulty distinguishing between the common nonspeech clinical signs of PD (bradykinesia, akinesia, and postural abnormalities); however, having the opportunity to view the signs in person helped me picture the differences between them. All participants appeared to enjoy the group session indicating that it is a great resource to provide emotional and practical support for families with