Date of Award

May 2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Communication Sciences & Disorders

First Advisor

Manish Rami

Abstract

This thesis examines the longitudinal speech, language, and feeding development of a child with Wiedemann–Steiner syndrome (WSS) from birth to age 10. The study aimed to characterize developmental patterns, identify strengths and challenges, and evaluate changes over time within the context of ongoing speech-language intervention. A qualitative longitudinal case study design was used, combining retrospective review of medical, therapeutic, and educational records with direct clinical assessment at age 10. Measures included the Oral and Written Language Scales–Second Edition (OWLS-II)), a spontaneous language sample, a phonemic inventory, a Childhood Apraxia of Speech screening, a caregiver feeding questionnaire, and a clinical feeding observation.Findings revealed a persistent receptive-expressive language gap, with a Mean Length of Utterance (MLU) of 1.88 and primary reliance on a high-tech AAC device. Social-pragmatic abilities emerged as a relative strength, marked by strong social motivation and reciprocal engagement, though impacted by behavioral challenges. Phonological development showed stable acquisition of stops and nasals, with emerging final fricatives, while liquids and clusters remained absent. The motor speech profile evolved from early features of childhood apraxia of speech to characteristics comparable to flaccid dysarthria, reflecting mastery of simple syllable shapes alongside limitations in complex production. Feeding development progressed from early aspiration risk to functional swallowing safety, with ongoing oral-motor inefficiencies. Ultimately, this study demonstrates that while the participant faced persistent neuromuscular and structural barriers to speech and feeding, her developmental trajectory was characterized by steady growth when supported by a total communication framework.

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