Motor Speech Disorders: Advances in Assessment and Treatment.

The focus of this work is on speech pathology and the current research on various topics. It deals with speech patterns in different populations. The work appears to be written primarily for speech pathologists, and although many of the syndromes and pathologies addressed may be of interest to physical therapists, it has little to offer them. The book documents well recent speech pathology research.

The editors have compiled an extensive collection of case studies, clinical research, and laboratory research. Each study is handled individually and is accompanied with appropriate tables and graphs. Excellent references are offered at the conclusion of each chapter.

The book is divided into four sections. The authors of each chapter are listed along with a brief biography and current address. The first section is entitled "Perspectives on Motor Speech Disorders" and contains three chapters on dysarthria. The second section, entitled "Clinical Characteristics," contains four chapters that deal with spasmodic torticollis, parkinsonian dysarthria, developmental apraxia, and spasmodic dysphonia. The third section, "Advances in Diagnostic Assessment," contains seven chapters about various techniques. The fourth section, entitled "Approaches to Treatment," has three chapters of case studies.

The information, although well documented and presented, is of limited value, but may be of interest to the physical therapy clinician. It is, however, of greater value to the speech pathologist.