Communication is defined as the phenomenon found specifically in animal species. It was however refined and modified only by the human species. Language and speech are two basic areas that fall under the umbrella of communication. With these processes also comes the impending danger of abnormal speech and language, leading to the development of their disorders. Objectives: Reporting the frequency changes in the voice of patients who are positive of covid-19. Methods: Application of cross-section study type of retrospective nature was steered. Details were extracted from 2 trust hospitals of Lahore, UOL Teaching Hospital and Arif Memorial Hospital. Convenient based sample accumulation technique was applied for data assembly from subjects. The Voice Handicap Index (VHI) , was used for the evaluation of patient perceived voice changes. Results: Data of 379 patients of Covid-19 infection was compiled. Shaky and weak voice, unclear voice and change in voice observed at the end of the day were all highlighted as voice changes in subjects. Out of 379, 263 experience shaky and weak voice to some extent which meant 69.4% of the participants experienced this. 241 out of 379 experienced problems with voice clarity and complained about not being able to speak clearly, meaning 63.6% faced this issue. 242 experienced change of voice over the passage of time in entire day, indicating 63.9% experienced this. Conclusion: Weak voice or having a shaky voice, having voice that was not clear enough to be understood by others, and feeling a change is voice quality over the day were considered as pointers of voice change. collecting and analyzing the data, the investigation concluded that voice changes were observed in individuals during Covid-19 infection.

Background: Since the prevalence and awareness AutismSpectrum Disorders (ASD) is growing day by day, it is crucial to correctly allocate diagnosis of ASD. According to the guidelines, there should be a multi-agency strategy group for diagnosis of ASD. Aim: To find out the diagnostic practices of ASD among different Health Professionals. Place and Duration of Study: Riphah International University, Lahore campus. The study was conducted from October 2017 till March 2018. Methodology: Data was collected from 116 professionals which included Speech-Language Pathologists, Pediatricians, Psychiatrists, Psychologists and Occupational Therapists by using questionnaire. A cross-sectional survey was carried out by using the technique of convenient sampling. Researcher collected the data from Riphah International University in person and some professionals were sent questionnaires online. Results: Majority of professionals provide diagnostic service i.e. 84.4% as a part of multidisciplinary team whereas 15.6% are sole practitioners for giving diagnosis; 51.1% collaborate with other professionals to make a consensus diagnosis and the most frequently used tool by professionals for diagnosing ASD is Childhood Autism Rating Scale CARS (76.7%) and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders V/IV (DSM V OR IV) criteria (67.8%). Conclusion: The professionals in the current study are using multidisciplinary approach for diagnosing ASD and a small number are sole practitioners. The most frequently used tool for diagnosing ASD are CARS and DSM V OR IV criteria. However, very few practitioners use the diagnostic tool Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule ADOS and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised ADI-R. The professionals who provide diagnosis of ASD are Speech and language Pathologists, Psychologists, pediatricians, psychiatrists and Occupational therapists.

Background: Human life would have had no purpose without the ability of communication. Immense dedication from the side of the teachers, parents and clinical professionals is placed to develop the communication ability in children. The communication of the geriatric demographic however is not paid as much heed as that paid to the pediatric population. This can be proved by the fact that there is unlimited literature readily available to address the communication needs of the children, unfortunately for the elderly, the literature is restricted. Objective: Frequency of the difficulties of communication as well as swallowing were intended to be sighted by the work of the current investigation. Methodology: Exploration of cross section type on the geriatric population that arrived in the tertiary setups, specifically to the Department of Speech and Language Pathology within the district of Lahore, Punjab was administered. Sampling characterized of convenient type to compile particulars and data was executed. Assembly of the details and data was practiced through the use of professional expertise and literature review inspired questionnaire. Analysis of figures and data was accomplished through SPSS 22. Results: 82 (68.9%) males and 37 (31.1%) females, out of 119 participants with Mean age 59.31 ±7.955 years were included in this study. Dysarthria, was the most frequently observed motor disorder of speech. Dysarthria was diagnosed in (42%) meaning 50 individuals. Voice disorder was observed in 16.0% implying 19 had the disorder. 4 Fluency disorder found in 3.4% cases and lastly apraxia was diagnosed in 1.7% of the subjects. Among the disorders of language, subjects were mostly determined to have aphasia. It was found in 33.6% patients equating to 40. Dementia was found in 0.8% of the subjects. 10.9% of the subjects, implying 13 had dysphagia. Practical implication Conclusion: The elderly population concerns with communication and swallowing frequently. The disorder of speech diagnosed most frequently is dysarthria. In language disorders, aphasia was observed more often. Keywords: Apraxia, dysphagia, geriatric, aphasia and dysarthria.

Background: An excess deposition of fat around abdominal area leads to central obesity; increases the risk of many chronic diseases. Dietary patterns, physical inactivity, gender, ethnicity, economic, social and cultural factors are its contributing aspects. Objective: To assess the frequency of central obesity among middle aged adults, and to determine the relationship between central obesity and dietary patterns among middle aged adults. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study; 154 middle aged adults were collected via convenient sampling technique. Questionnaire included questions about anthropometric measurement and dietary history, with a combination of both closed and open ended questions, lastly data was analyzed by using SPSS software version 25. Results: 54.6% middle aged adults in targeted sample had central obesity; individuals who consumed more refined products, red meat, saturated fats, junk food, and desserts were more centrally obese as compared to those who consumed whole grains, lean meat, fruits, vegetables and unsaturated fats. Conclusion: Study concluded that females had higher frequency of central obesity as compared to males. There was strong association between central obesity and unhealthy eating patterns among middle aged adults; thus a need to provide knowledge regarding the concept of balanced diet in relation to good health is a core need.