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Dr Gillian Townend

  • Undergraduate & Postgraduate dissertation projects supervisor
  • Academic Tutor

Lecturer on the following modules:

  • Speech, Language and Communication 2 (paediatric)
  • Speech, Language & Communication 4 (across the lifespan)
  • Language and Communication in Genetic Conditions
  • Introduction to Speech and Language Pathology
  • Clinical Studies 3 and 4
  • Clinical Practice 2

Areas of interest

Implementation and impact of the Rett Syndrome Communication Guidelines: lead author of the Rett Syndrome Communication Guidelines which were published (in English) in 2020; since then working with Rett associations across the globe to translate the guidelines into multiple language; working with Rett UK and other associations to develop resources and activities that enable families and professionals (including speech and language therapists) to put the guidelines into practice; evaluating the global impact and implementation of the guidelines

Adapting language and communication assessments for people with physical disabilities: traditional assessments typically require a verbal or motor response which makes them inaccessible to people with physical disabilities who have no/limited speech and no/limited voluntary control of their hands; use of eye gaze/eye tracking technologies offers one possible solution; this and other factors are being investigated in order to build an holistic language assessment package; in partnership with Rett UK.

Video analysis of dyadic interaction between communication partners and children using AAC: developing a two-part tool for analysing interactions from both the perspective of the parent/communication partner and the child in order to provide guidance and feedback to families during supported trials of of eye gaze controlled communication devices; in partnership with Rett UK.

Developing communication outcome measures for drug/gene therapy trials: project in development

Research centres and groups

  • Speech and Language Therapy Research Group

Academic qualifications

  • PhD
  • MPhil (by own research)
  • BMedSci(Speech)(Hons)
  • AFHEA (FHEA passed but yet to be confirmed by exam board in September)

Awards and honours

  • Lead author of the international Rett Syndrome Communication Guidelines

Professional bodies/affiliations

  • RegHCPC (registered with Health & Care Professions Council)
  • CertMRCSLT (certified member of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists)

Publications

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