Dr Rachael Unicomb
Senior Lecturer
School of Health Sciences
- Email:rachael.unicomb@newcastle.edu.au
- Phone:(02) 4921 5716
Rachael Unicomb is pioneering the treatment of co-occuring communication disorders
Dr Rachael Unicomb has created preliminary guidelines for treating co-occurring stuttering and speech sound disorders at the same time. These guidelines are the first of this kind in almost 25 years. She is now looking to expand her study to a larger population.
Stuttering can have a long term impact on many aspects of an individual’s life. The true cause of stuttering remains unknown, although many studies indicate that this mysterious condition is most likely a problem related to neural speech processing.
Stuttering is thought to affect as many as approximately 12 percent of children up to the age of four years. More mysterious still is the fact in 30 to 40 percent of cases, stuttering is reported to co-occur with speech sound disorders.
Most children will make some mistakes with their sounds as they are learning to talk. A speech sound disorder occurs when these mistakes continue past a certain age.
In an earlier study, Rachael reported that many Australian speech pathologists will typically treat these two co-occurring disorders separately – often stuttering first then the speech sound disorder.
Rachael, a speech pathologist with a background working in early childhood intervention, finished her PhD in 2015 and says she has always been fascinated by speech sound disorders.
“It’s always been a clinical area of interest for me – why speech sound disorders occur and the clinical decision making around how we treat them,” she said.
“When I touched base with the person who would later become my PhD supervisor, Dr Sally Hewat, she suggested I consider stuttering disorders when they co-occurs with speech sound disorders. This is a really unchartered area. We know they co-occur a lot but there is actually no current evidence to suggest how to treat both disorders at the same time.”
After completing a series of qualitative interviews with Australian speech pathologists, Rachael discovered that clinicians were crying out for guidelines, particularly as the evidence for both disorders in isolation has evolved so much in the past couple of decades. This led to the main study in her thesis, looking at how to treat stuttering and speech sound disorders together using best practice treatment approaches.
Until now there has been doubt about the effectiveness of treating both disorders concurrently. For this reason, the study was conducted cautiously with a small number of children – single case studies – with very tight ethical protocols in place.
“We monitored the children’s progress very closely from week to week to ensure we weren’t making one or the other disorder worse by treating them both at the same time. As it turns out, we had successful outcomes treating this way for the majority of our participants.
“Off the back of my PhD research I am going to follow-up these participants in the long term, because we do know that stuttering is a relapse-prone disorder. It has been about two years since I finished treating these children and in that time, they have all started kindergarten, so I would like to check how they are going. We also know that even having a speech sound disorder in the preschool years can put a child at risk for later literacy development, so it would be good to follow up these variables.”
Rachael is also interested in delving deeper into the research that has looked at the rate of co-occurrence to date.
“Rates of co-occurrence are reported to be as high as between 30 to 40 percent, but that is largely based on a lot of retrospective file audit data and clinician feedback, so we need some stronger data to actually confirm these reports,” she explained.
“I am currently working with teams from the University of Melbourne and the Murdoch Children’s Institute on this project. They have a project and data set called the ELVS study (Early Language in Victoria Study), where they have prospectively followed a community cohort of almost 1,700 children from infancy who are now heading into adolescence. So it will be great to use some of this data – some prospective data – to look at the figures on co-occurrence.”
Rachael is also working on another project in speech sound disorders with Ms Joanne Walters, a fellow lecturer and researcher in speech pathology at the University of Newcastle, looking at the sounds “k” and “g”.
“Working clinically we see a number of children who are in Kindergarten and Year One who still may not have mastered those sounds – but the normative data, which is what informs our profession and what we use to base our decision-making on when we’re doing an assessment and considering treatment, says the sounds should be produced correctly at around three to three-and-a-half years of age,” she explained.
“It’s important because if a child comes in at four years of age and they haven’t acquired or mastered “k” and “g” the clinician might choose to work on that with the child, which could be costly to the service provider and caregiver, in terms of finance and time, particularly if perhaps the normative data, which is varied and dated, is perhaps underestimating the age of mastery for these sounds.”
Rachael hopes a preliminary study to further investigate speech pathologists’ perceptions on the acquisition of these sounds, will inform and lead to the development of a larger project to gather updated normative data for these consonants.
Rachael Unicomb is pioneering the treatment of co-occuring communication disorders
Rachael Unicomb is a Lecturer and Researcher for the Speech Pathology (honours) program at the University of Newcastle, Australia.
Career Summary
Biography
Current role
Rachael Unicomb is a Lecturer and Researcher for the Speech Pathology (honours) program at the University of Newcastle, Australia. Teaching into the majority of years in this program, Rachael has a clinical and translational research interest in the communication of young children (paediatrics), in particular those with speech sound disorders and stuttering.
Past clinical experience
Rachael has worked with a paediatric caseload across a variety of settings including early intervention, community health and private practice. Rachael has also worked with families and children from disadvantaged and vulnerable backgrounds, and played an integral role in setting up a program for Uniting Care Burnside’s Newpin program. Newpin has a focus on breaking the cycle of abuse and neglect with a focus on positive parent-child interactions. With programs set up in Sydney’s outer western suburbs, Newpin aims to work with parents and children to focus on emotional development and wellbeing in a safe and structured environment. Rachael assisted setting up a program that looks at parent-child interactions with this caseload with a focus on communication development. Rachael provided assessment and group therapy to Newpin participants, and provided training to staff members so that these skills could be embedded as an integral part of the Newpin program. Rachael has previously been employed for the University of Newcastle in the capacity of clinical educator, working in the specialist stuttering clinic, as well as for the Speech Pathology in Schools Program (SPinS).
Research and interests
Rachael completed her PhD in 2015. Her thesis looked at the treatment of co-occurring stuttering and speech sound disorder in young children. Stuttering and speech sound disorder are both communication disorders that occur frequently in isolation in young children. However, it is well known that the two disorders do in fact co-occur, and when they do, there is little evidence to guide a treatment approach. Rachael’s research continues in this area, and she has presented the outcomes of her research at international conferences (ASHA, Asia Pacific Conference), and has published in international peer reviewed journals.
Rachael has also published in the area of the significance of clinical outcome data. Clinical data are valuable and can contribute greatly to the profession of speech pathology, and may go on to lead to larger research projects, which in turn may translate to a change in current practice.
Rachael is always open to discuss research collaborations in the areas of:
- Stuttering
- Speech sound disorders
- Co-occurrence of stuttering
- Clinical data for research
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Newcastle
- Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours), University of Newcastle
Keywords
- Blended learning
- Clinical Education
- Clinical skills
- Evidence-based practice
- Fluency
- Paediatric language
- Paediatric speech sound disorders
- Professional issues
- Speech sound disorders
- Stuttering
Fields of Research
Code | Description | Percentage |
---|---|---|
420110 | Speech pathology | 100 |
Professional Experience
UON Appointment
Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|
Senior Lecturer | University of Newcastle School of Humanities and Social Science Australia |
Professional appointment
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|---|
23/6/2011 - 30/1/2015 | Clinical Educator | University of Newcastle Speech Pathology Australia |
1/12/2009 - 29/6/2012 | Speech Pathologist | Firstchance Early Intervention Centre Australia |
Awards
Prize
Year | Award |
---|---|
2014 |
Research Higher Degree Publication Prize The University of Newcastle, NSW |
Scholarship
Year | Award |
---|---|
2011 |
Australian Postgraduate Award The University of Newcastle, NSW |
Teaching
Code | Course | Role | Duration |
---|---|---|---|
LING3200 |
Speech and Language Disorders The University of Newcastle, Australia |
Course coordinator, lecturer, tutor | 7/2/2017 - 7/3/2017 |
SPTH2001 |
Fluency Across the Lifespan The University of Newcastle, Australia |
Course coordinator, lecturer, tutor | 7/2/2017 - 7/3/2017 |
SPTH4210 |
Research Review The University of Newcastle, Australia |
Course coordinator, lecturer, tutor | 7/2/2017 - 7/3/2017 |
SPTH1080 |
Introduction to Clinical Practice The University of Newcastle, Australia |
Tutor | 7/2/2017 - 7/3/2017 |
SPTH4030 |
Professional Issues 1 The University of Newcastle |
Course coordinator, lecturer, tutor | 7/2/2017 - 7/3/2017 |
SPTH2002 |
Child Language 3 and Hearing Across the Lifespan The University of Newcastle, Australia |
Tutor | 7/2/2017 - 7/3/2017 |
SPTH1001 |
Child speech and language 1 The University of Newcastle, Australia |
Course coordinator, lecturer, tutor | 1/2/2016 - 30/6/2016 |
SPTH2080 |
Clinical Practice (2nd year) The University of Newcastle |
Lecturer, Tutor | 1/2/2016 - 7/3/2017 |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Journal article (22 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||||||||
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2024 |
Ong YQ, Hasmidi NN, Lee J, Hamzah DA, Unicomb R, Chu SY, 'Awareness and Knowledge of Stuttering Among Malaysian School-Aged Children: An Exploratory Study.', Folia Phoniatr Logop, (2024) [C1]
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2023 |
Tran YNTN, Unicomb R, Hoffman L, Nguyen ND, Hewat S, 'Experiences and impacts of stuttering on Vietnamese adults who stutter: A qualitative study', MedPharmRes, 7 76-82 (2023) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2023 |
Unicomb R, Hamza S, Hewat S, 'Consensus on an Assessment Protocol for Children with Speech Sound Disorders in Sri Lanka', International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders, 58 1610-1629 (2023) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2023 |
Nonis D, Unicomb R, Hewat S, 'Stuttering management practices in Sri Lanka: A mixed method study.', J Fluency Disord, 76 105973 (2023) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2023 |
Tran HTB, Nguyen ND, Unicomb R, Hoffman L, Hewat S, 'Validity and reliability of the UTBAS-6 scale for Vietnamese adults who stutter', MedPharmRes, 7 67-75 (2023) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2023 |
Unicomb R, Thai TT, Ngan TTQ, Hoffman L, Hewat S, 'Translation and validation of the Vietnamese version of the Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation scale (BFNE) in adults who stutter', Speech, Language and Hearing, (2023) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2023 |
Kelly B, Walters J, Unicomb R, 'Speech Pathology Student Perspectives on Virtual Reality to Learn a Clinical Skill', Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders, 7 (2023) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2022 |
Unicomb R, Hewat S, Harrison E, 'Treating children with co-occurring stuttering and speech sound disorder: a long-term follow up study', Speech, Language and Hearing, 25 99-111 (2022) [C1] Purpose: To conduct long-term follow-up assessment on children who had previously undergone concurrent, direct treatment for co-occurring stuttering and speech sound disorder. Met... [more] Purpose: To conduct long-term follow-up assessment on children who had previously undergone concurrent, direct treatment for co-occurring stuttering and speech sound disorder. Methods: Four children (6;10¿7;7 years) were followed-up approximately 40 months after commencing Stage 1 of the Lidcombe Program. The primary outcome for stuttering, percentage of syllables stuttered, was assessed on within¿¿ and beyond-clinic samples. Percentage of consonants correct, the primary speech outcome, was gathered on single-word and connected-speech samples. Primary outcomes were analysed for statistically significant change and to assess stability of treatment gains. Additionally, formal assessment of phonological awareness ability was conducted. Results: At long-term follow-up, 2 participants had experienced relapse of stuttering. Three of the four children were within age-expected norms for percentage of consonants correct, while one participant was rated at a mild-moderate severity level on this measure. All four children had assessment scores that were within normal limits for phonological awareness. Conclusion: Children with co-occurring stuttering and speech sound disorder may be treated concurrently using direct therapy approaches in the short-term, however may be more prone to relapse across both disorders. For this caseload of children, a longer maintenance period is recommended, with regular assessments being undertaken to ensure stability of treatment gains in the long-term.
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Nova | |||||||||
2022 |
Chu SY, Unicomb R, Lee J, Cho KS, St Louis KO, Harrison E, McConnell G, 'Public attitudes toward stuttering in Malaysia', JOURNAL OF FLUENCY DISORDERS, 74 (2022) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2022 |
Kelly M, Unicomb R, Hewat S, 'Interdisciplinary Management of People with Communication and/or Swallowing Disorders: Confidence, Knowledge and Experience of Undergraduate Allied Health Students', Health Professions Education, 8 74-86 (2022) [C1]
|
Nova | |||||||||
2022 |
Dung LT, Trung VN, Hewat S, Unicomb R, Hoffman L, 'Situational avoidance across different communication situations for adults who stutter in Vietnam', Vietnamese Medical Journal, 516 37-43 (2022) [C1]
|
Nova | |||||||||
2022 |
Nonis D, Unicomb R, Hewat S, 'Parental perceptions of stuttering in children: a systematic review of the literature', SPEECH LANGUAGE AND HEARING, 25 481-491 (2022) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2021 |
Nonis D, Unicomb R, Hewat S, 'Parental perceptions towards childhood stuttering in Sri Lanka', JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS, 95 (2021) [C1]
|
Nova | |||||||||
2020 |
Unicomb R, Kefalianos E, Reilly S, Cook F, Morgan A, 'Prevalence and features of comorbid stuttering and speech sound disorder at age 4 years', JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS, 84 [C1]
|
Nova | |||||||||
2020 |
Parsotam H, Warren-Forward H, Shields M, McNulty J, Shaw Bonilha H, O'Toole C, et al., 'Are radiographers an influencing factor in the radiation protection practices of speech-language therapists performing videofluoroscopic swallowing studies?', Radiography (London, England : 1995), 26 e229-e237 (2020) [C1]
|
Nova | |||||||||
2020 |
Hewat S, Unicomb R, Dean I, Cui G, 'Treatment of Childhood stuttering using the Lidcombe Program in mainland China: case studies', Speech, Language and Hearing, 23 55-65 (2020) [C1] Purpose: In mainland China, speech therapy is an emerging profession, and it estimated around 13 million people stutter. Currently, best practice for treating stuttering in young ... [more] Purpose: In mainland China, speech therapy is an emerging profession, and it estimated around 13 million people stutter. Currently, best practice for treating stuttering in young children is considered to be implementation of the Lidcombe Program. The Lidcombe Program is a behaviourally based treatment approach which involves parents delivering feedback to their child¿s stuttered and stutter-free speech in structured and unstructured conversations, in a natural environment. Currently, there is no published research documenting implementation of the Lidcombe Program in mainland China. Given the cultural differences that exist between Australia (where the treatment was developed) and China, an investigation into the feasibility of the treatment into this cross-cultural context is warranted. Methods: This study investigates implementation of the Lidcombe Program to two Mandarin-speaking children using a descriptive single case study design. The primary outcome, percent syllables stuttered (%SS), was measured within¿¿ and beyond-clinic at two assessment points, and analysed for statistically significant change. Results: Both participants in the study achieved a significant reduction in stuttering rates, suggesting the Lidcombe Program may be a viable option to treat some children in a Mandarin-speaking population in China. Additionally, the treating therapists provided feedback on cultural considerations when implanting the program to this population. Conclusion: There is a need for research into effective and evidence-based stuttering treatments for Mandarin-speaking children in mainland China. This study is a preliminary investigation into the effectiveness of the Lidcombe Program in this context.
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Nova | |||||||||
2019 |
Unicomb R, Walters J, Pullin L, Bowen C, 'Listening to SLPs: How helpful are Australian English acquisition norms for velar stops to the child speech evaluation process?', Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology, 21 87-94 (2019) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2019 |
Unicomb R, Hewat S, Harrison E, 'Evaluating the treatment of co-occurring stuttering and speech sound disorder: Parents perspectives', Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology, 21 100-108 (2019) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2019 | Bridgman K, Shane E, Unicomb R, O'Connor B, 'A five-year file audit of paediatric stuttering management: A research to practice comparison', Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology, 21 108-117 (2019) [C1] | Nova | |||||||||
2017 |
Unicomb RA, Hewat S, Spencer E, Harrison E, 'Evidence for the treatment of co-occurring stuttering and speech sound disorder: A clinical case series', International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 19 251-264 (2017) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2015 |
Unicomb R, Colyvas K, Harrison E, Hewat S, 'Assessment of reliable change using 95% credible intervals for the differences in proportions: A statistical analysis for case-study methodology', Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 58 728-739 (2015) [C1] Purpose: Case-study methodology studying change is often used in the field of speech-language pathology, but it can be criticized for not being statistically robust. Yet with the ... [more] Purpose: Case-study methodology studying change is often used in the field of speech-language pathology, but it can be criticized for not being statistically robust. Yet with the heterogeneous nature of many communication disorders, case studies allow clinicians and researchers to closely observe and report on change. Such information is valuable and can further inform large-scale experimental designs. In this research note, a statistical analysis for case-study data is outlined that employs a modification to the Reliable Change Index (Jacobson & Truax, 1991). The relationship between reliable change and clinical significance is discussed. Example data are used to guide the reader through the use and application of this analysis. Method: A method of analysis is detailed that is suitable for assessing change in measures with binary categorical outcomes. The analysis is illustrated using data from one individual, measured before and after treatment for stuttering. Conclusions: The application of this approach to assess change in categorical, binary data has potential application in speech-language pathology. It enables clinicians and researchers to analyze results from case studies for their statistical and clinical significance. This new method addresses a gap in the research design literature, that is, the lack of analysis methods for noncontinuous data (such as counts, rates, proportions of events) that may be used in case-study designs.
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Nova | |||||||||
2013 |
Unicomb R, Hewat S, Spencer E, Harrison E, 'Clinicians' management of young children with co-occurring stuttering and speech sound disorder', International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 15 441-452 (2013) [C1] Speech sound disorders reportedly co-occur in young children who stutter at a substantial rate. Despite this, there is a paucity of scientific research available to support a trea... [more] Speech sound disorders reportedly co-occur in young children who stutter at a substantial rate. Despite this, there is a paucity of scientific research available to support a treatment approach when these disorders co-exist. Similarly, little is known about how clinicians are currently working with this caseload given that best practice for the treatment of both disorders in isolation has evolved in recent years. This study used a qualitative approach to explore current clinical management and rationales when working with children who have co-occurring stuttering and speech sound disorder. Thirteen participant SLPs engaged in semi-structured telephone interviews. Interview data were analysed based on principles derived from grounded theory. Several themes were identified including multi-faceted assessment, workplace challenges, weighing-up the evidence, and direct intervention. The core theme, clinical reasoning, highlighted the participants' main concern, that not enough is known about this caseload on which to base decisions about intervention. There was consensus that little is available in the research literature to guide decisions relating to service delivery. These findings highlight the need for further research to provide evidence-based guidelines for clinical practice with this caseload. © 2013 The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited.
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Nova | |||||||||
Show 19 more journal articles |
Conference (39 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
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2023 |
Walters J, Unicomb R, 'Use of virtual reality (VR) to teach a specific clinical skill in speech pathology', University of Newcastle (2023)
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2023 |
Bich HTT, Nguyen DN, Hoffman L, Unicomb R, Hewat S, 'Validity and reliability of the Vietnamese version of the UTBAS-6 scale on adults who stutter', Auckland, NZ (2023)
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2023 | Chu SY, Ying Q, Hasmidi N, Lee J, Hamzah D, Unicomb R, 'School-age children s perspectives on stuttering in Malaysia', St Catherine's College, Oxford, UK (2023) | ||||
2022 |
Unicomb R, Walters J, 'Use of VR to teach a specific clinical skill in speech pathology', Virtual (2022)
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2022 |
Kelly B, Unicomb R, Walters J, 'Student reflections on Virtual Reality to learn a clinical skill', Melbourne Victoria (2022)
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2015 |
Unicomb R, Hewat S, 'Single case research: Using a new method of statistical analysis to determine change following treatment for speech sound disorder', Guangzhou, China (2015) [E3]
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Show 36 more conferences |
Grants and Funding
Summary
Number of grants | 26 |
---|---|
Total funding | $605,535 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20241 grants / $30,000
The mental health and wellbeing of young children who stutter: Working together with children and families to design a group prevention and education program$30,000
Funding body: Hunter Medical Research Institute
Funding body | Hunter Medical Research Institute |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Rachael Unicomb, Doctor Tanya Hanstock, Ms Joanne Walters |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2024 |
Funding Finish | 2025 |
GNo | G2400007 |
Type Of Funding | C3300 – Aust Philanthropy |
Category | 3300 |
UON | Y |
20232 grants / $119,368
To develop a proprietary spatial, mixed reality platform for health-related education applications – Phase Two$118,368
Funding body: Australian Government - Business
Funding body | Australian Government - Business |
---|---|
Project Team | Rachael Unicomb, Joanne Walters, Angus Stevens (Start Beyond) |
Scheme | Innovation Connections |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2023 |
Funding Finish | 2023 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | External |
Category | EXTE |
UON | N |
2023 SHS Conference Support Grant$1,000
Funding body: School of Health Sciences - University of Newcastle
Funding body | School of Health Sciences - University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Scheme | 2023 SHS Conference Support Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2023 |
Funding Finish | 2023 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20226 grants / $180,762
To develop a proprietary spatial, mixed reality platform for health related education applications (Stage one)$107,124
Funding body: Australian Government - Business
Funding body | Australian Government - Business |
---|---|
Project Team | Rachael Unicomb, Joanne Walters, Angus Stevens (Start Beyond) |
Scheme | Innovation Connections |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2022 |
Funding Finish | 2023 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | External |
Category | EXTE |
UON | N |
Exploring the Implementation of NNN with Incarcerated Women$25,000
Funding body: The University of Newcastle
Funding body | The University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Blakemore, Rak, Menzies, Unicomb, Taylor, & Sullivan |
Scheme | 2022 Cross College Funding Support Scheme |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2022 |
Funding Finish | 2023 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
CHMW Research and Education Equipment Grant$23,785
Funding body: University of Newcastle, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing (CHMW) Research and Education Equipment Grant
Funding body | University of Newcastle, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing (CHMW) Research and Education Equipment Grant |
---|---|
Project Team | Joanne Walters, Rachael Unicomb, Daphne James |
Scheme | CHMW Research and Education Equipment Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2022 |
Funding Finish | 2022 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
College funding awarded by Assistant Dean Research, John Attia$11,494
Funding is to support continued development of VR teaching application: VR-OMA2.
Funding is to support initial pilot research to validate content being developed for VR-OMA2.
Funding body: College of Health, Medicine & Wellbeing - The University of Newcastle
Funding body | College of Health, Medicine & Wellbeing - The University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Joanne Walters, Rachael Unicomb |
Scheme | Funding awarded directly by College to research team (John Attia) |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2022 |
Funding Finish | 2022 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
Perceptions of Early Stuttering in the Asia Pacific Region$8,555
Funding body: School of Health Sciences - University of Newcastle
Funding body | School of Health Sciences - University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Rachael Unicomb, Sally Hewat, I-Fang Lee |
Scheme | 2022 SHS Research Support Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2022 |
Funding Finish | 2022 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
VR-OMA: Development and Evaluation of Teaching Resources for Training Speech Pathology Students$4,805
Funding body: 2022 College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing Strategic Research Pilot Grant
Funding body | 2022 College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing Strategic Research Pilot Grant |
---|---|
Project Team | Rachael Unicomb, Joanne Walters |
Scheme | 2022 College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing Strategic Research Pilot Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2022 |
Funding Finish | 2022 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20211 grants / $2,810
Working Parents Research Relief Scheme$2,810
Funding body: College of Human and Social Futures | University of Newcastle
Funding body | College of Human and Social Futures | University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Scheme | CHSF - Working Parents Research Relief Scheme |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2021 |
Funding Finish | 2021 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20202 grants / $14,497
Engaging with Industry: Exploring the perceptions of early childhood educators on working with children who stutter to develop an education package that informs future professional development and curriculum$12,997
Funding body: Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle
Funding body | Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Dr Rachael Unicomb (Lead), A/Prof Sally Hewat and A/Prof I-Fang Lee |
Scheme | Strategic Network and Pilot Project Grants Scheme |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2020 |
Funding Finish | 2020 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
Speech Pathology Australia National Conference, 24 - 27 May 2020, Darwin$1,500
Funding body: Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle
Funding body | Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Scheme | FEDUA Conference Travel Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2020 |
Funding Finish | 2020 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20195 grants / $148,251
Use of virtual reality to teach a core paediatric clinical skill in speech pathology: Oral musculature assessment (VROMA)$75,025
Funding body: NeW Education Framework I University of Newcastle
Funding body | NeW Education Framework I University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Joanne Walters and Rachael Unicomb |
Scheme | Digital Simulation Technology Evaluation Pilot 1 (STEP1) |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2019 |
Funding Finish | 2019 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
Interdisciplinary student-led intensive stuttering treatment program for adults$57,500
Funding body: NSW Ministry of Health
Funding body | NSW Ministry of Health |
---|---|
Project Team | Associate Professor Sally Hewat, Doctor Tanya Hanstock, Doctor Rachael Unicomb, Ms Yasmina Nasstasia, Mrs Sonja Pohlman, Doctor Sally Hunt |
Scheme | Research Funds |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2019 |
Funding Finish | 2019 |
GNo | G1900829 |
Type Of Funding | C2300 – Aust StateTerritoryLocal – Own Purpose |
Category | 2300 |
UON | Y |
Developing the speech pathology research network through measuring and building impact, and engagment capacity in the University of Newcastle's speech pathology clinics$14,725
Funding body: Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle
Funding body | Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Dr Rachael Unicomb (Lead), Dr Joanne Walters, Dr Sally Hewat, Dr Elizabeth Spencer, Dr Gwendalyn Webb |
Scheme | Strategic Network and Pilot Project Grants Scheme |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2019 |
Funding Finish | 2019 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
Speech Pathology Australia National Conference, Brisbane, 2-5 June 2019$1,000
Funding body: Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle
Funding body | Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Scheme | FEDUA Conference Travel Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2019 |
Funding Finish | 2019 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
2018 Women in Research (WIR) Fellowship$1
Funding body: University of Newcastle
Funding body | University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Rachael Unicomb |
Scheme | Women in Research Fellowship |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2019 |
Funding Finish | 2019 |
GNo | G1801233 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
20181 grants / $1,483
Speech Pathology Australia National Conference, Adelaide, 27-30 May 2018$1,483
Grant used to support the following presentations:
1. Comorbid stuttering and speech disorder: Prevalence and features at 4 years’ of age (Manuscript under review).
2. Management of stuttering in school-aged children. An international survey.
3. Public health, health promotion and prevention: What’s the difference? An overview of public health terminology applied to children’s communication disorders. Poster presentation (Manuscript under review).
4. What happens in Stage 2 of the Lidcombe Program of Early Stuttering Intervention?Funding body: Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle
Funding body | Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Rachael Unicomb |
Scheme | FEDUA Conference Travel Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2018 |
Funding Finish | 2018 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20174 grants / $95,864
Research Advantage Scheme for PhD Scholar (ECR-HDR Scholarship)$78,864
Funding body: University of Newcastle
Funding body | University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Scheme | Research Advantage ECR-HDR Scholarship |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2017 |
Funding Finish | 2020 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
Strategic Network and Pilot Projects Grant$15,000
Funding body: Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle
Funding body | Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Society Health Disability Research Group |
Scheme | Strategic Network and Pilot Project Grants Scheme |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2017 |
Funding Finish | 2017 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
FEDUA Conference Travel Grant$1,000
Grant used to support the following presentations:
- Concurrent treatment of stuttering and speech sound disorder: Parents’ experiences (Manuscript under review)
- Long-term follow-up of children treated concurrently for stuttering and speech sound disorder: Four case studies (Manuscript under review)
- Confidence in working with people with communication disorders: The effects of an online University course delivered to non-speech pathology students
- Perspectives on the acquisition of velars /k, g/ in monolingual Australian children (Manuscript accepted for publication)
Funding body: Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle
Funding body | Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Scheme | FEDUA Conference Travel Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2017 |
Funding Finish | 2017 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
Speech Pathology Australia 2017 National Conference, Sydney, 28-31 May 2017$1,000
Funding body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Education and Arts
Funding body | University of Newcastle - Faculty of Education and Arts |
---|---|
Project Team | Dr Rachael Unicomb |
Scheme | Travel Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2017 |
Funding Finish | 2017 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20161 grants / $1,500
FEDUA Conference Travel Grant$1,500
Grant used to support presentation of the following papers:
1. Clinical Case Studies: How to analyse for statistical significance (publication doi: 10.1080/17549507.2017.1293735)
2. Treatment of co-occurring stuttering and speech sound disorder: A phase 1 trial (publication doi: 10.1044/2015_JSLHR-S-14-0158)
Funding body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Education and Arts
Funding body | University of Newcastle - Faculty of Education and Arts |
---|---|
Scheme | Travel Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2016 |
Funding Finish | 2016 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20151 grants / $5,000
Evidence for the treatment of co-occuring stuttering and speech sound disorders$5,000
Funding body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Education and Arts
Funding body | University of Newcastle - Faculty of Education and Arts |
---|---|
Scheme | FEDUA New Staff Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2015 |
Funding Finish | 2016 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20142 grants / $6,000
Speech Pathology Australia Higher Degree Student Research Grant$5,000
Funding body: Speech Pathology Australia
Funding body | Speech Pathology Australia |
---|---|
Project Team | Rachael Unicomb |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2014 |
Funding Finish | 2016 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | External |
Category | EXTE |
UON | N |
Faculty of Education and Arts RHD Publication Prize$1,000
Funding body: Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle
Funding body | Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Scheme | FEDUA RHD Publication Prize |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2014 |
Funding Finish | 2015 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
Research Supervision
Number of supervisions
Current Supervision
Commenced | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | PhD | Cross-Domain Impact Of Direct Stuttering and Speech Sound Disorder Intervention For Children With Co-Occurring Stutter and Speech Sound Disorder | PhD (Speech Pathology), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
2023 | PhD | Working with stuttering: An intervention to improve self-efficacy of speech language pathologists | Speech Pathology, The University of Queensland | Co-Supervisor |
2022 | PhD | An Exploration of Parents' and Teachers' Attitudes: Awareness and Techniques in the Home and Classroom for Adolescents who Stutter in Saudi Arabia | PhD (Speech Pathology), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
Past Supervision
Year | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2022 | Masters | Validity and reliability of the Vietnamese version of Unhelpful Thoughts and Beliefs about Stuttering Scale (UTBAS-6) for adults who stutter in Viet Nam | Speech Pathology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City | Co-Supervisor |
2022 | Masters | The validity and reliability of the Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (BFNE) Vietnamese version for adults who stutter in Vietnam | Speech Pathology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City | Principal Supervisor |
2022 | PhD | Barriers and Facilitators to Optimising Health Promotion and Prevention for Children’s Speech, Language, and Communication Needs in Australia | PhD (Speech Pathology), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
2022 | Masters | The level of anxiety across different speaking situations among adults who stutter in Vietnam | Speech Pathology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City | Co-Supervisor |
2022 | Masters | Experience and impact of stuttering on Vietnamese adults who stutter | Speech Pathology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City | Co-Supervisor |
2022 | PhD | Management of Childhood Stuttering in Sri Lanka | PhD (Speech Pathology), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
2021 | Masters | Development of an Assessment Protocol for Children With Speech Sound Disorders in Sri Lanka | M Philosophy(Speech Pathology), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
News
Dr Rachael Unicomb
Position
Senior Lecturer
School of Health Sciences
College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing
Contact Details
rachael.unicomb@newcastle.edu.au | |
Phone | (02) 4921 5716 |
Office
Room | ICT 374 |
---|---|
Building | ICT Building |
Location | Callaghan University Drive Callaghan, NSW 2308 Australia |