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    • Associate Professor Natalie Ciccone
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    • Associate Professor Natalie Ciccone

      Associate Professor Natalie Ciccone

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  • Google Scholar profile
    https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=wjy5fbEAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao
  • Google Scholar profile
  • ResearchGate profile
    http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Natalie_Ciccone
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    http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1822-7217
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    http://www.scopus.com/inward/authorDetails.url?authorID=54794819200&partnerID=MN8TOARS
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Associate Professor Natalie Ciccone

Associate Dean (Allied Health)

Staff Member Details
Telephone: +61 8 6304 2047
Email: n.ciccone@ecu.edu.au
Campus: Joondalup  
Room: JO21.520  
ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1822-7217

Associate Professor Natalie Ciccone is the Associate Dean in Allied Health and is an Associate Professor in Speech Pathology.

Background

Associate Professor Natalie Ciccone came to ECU in 2009 after working in the Speech Pathology programs at Curtin University since 1999. Associate Professor Ciccone’s primary area of research interest is aphasia - a language disorder that occurs after stroke.  She is currently involved in two NHMRC funded projects; a multi-centre randomised control trial of very early intervention for people with aphasia after stroke and an exploration into communication disorders after stroke and traumatic brain injury in Aboriginal peoples in Western Australia.

She has previously been involved in funded research projects including the evaluation of the cost effectiveness of early intensive aphasia therapy after stroke, evaluation of early multidisciplinary group intervention to improve communicative ability and psychosocial adjustment following traumatic brain injury and the investigation of speech pathologists’ clinical decision making in the provision of services to people with aphasia.

Associate Professor Natalie Ciccone has published in the area of aphasia, communication disorders after stroke and traumatic brain injury and interprofessional education. She presents regularly at national and international speech pathology and allied health conferences and is currently on the Editorial Committee for the Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech Language Pathology.

Associate Professor Ciccone has worked as a speech pathologist in acute and rehabilitation hospital settings as well as community based clinics in Perth and Darwin primarily working with patients with communication and swallowing difficulties following stroke and head injury.

Professional Associations

  • Speech Pathology Australia
  • The Stroke Society of Australasia

Research Areas and Interests

  • Neurogenic communication disorders
  • Aphasia intervention
  • Clinical decision making
  • Communication difficulties after stroke in Aboriginal Australians
  • Use of discourse in the analysis and treatment of aphasia

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy - Human Communication Science, Curtin University of Technology, 2003.
  • Bachelor of Science (Speech & Hearing Science), Curtin University of Technology, 1996.

Research Outputs

2020

Journal Articles

  • Ford, D., Mills, B., Ciccone, N., Beatty, S. (2020). Does Direct Helicopter Retrieval Improve Survival of Severely Injured Trauma Patients From Rural Western Australia?. Air Medical Journal, 39(3), 183-188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amj.2020.01.005.
  • Brogan, E., Godecke, E., Ciccone, N. (2020). Behind the therapy door: what is “usual care” aphasia therapy in acute stroke management?. Aphasiology, 34(10), 1291-1313. https://doi.org/10.1080/02687038.2020.1759268.
  • Brogan, E., Ciccone, N., Godecke, E. (2020). An exploration of aphasia therapy dosage in the first six months of stroke recovery. Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 2020(Article in press), 1-35. https://doi.org/10.1080/09602011.2020.1776135.
  • Armstrong, B., McAllister, M., Hersh, D., Katzenellenbogen, J., Thompson, S., Coffin, J., Flicker, L., Woods, D., Hayward, C., Ciccone, N. (2020). A screening tool for acquired communication disorders in Aboriginal Australians after brain injury: lessons learned from the pilot phase. Aphasiology, 34(11), 1388-1412. https://doi.org/10.1080/02687038.2019.1678107.

2019

Journal Articles

  • Hersh, D., Armstrong, B., McAllister, M., Ciccone, N., Katzenellenbogen, J., Coffin, J., Thompson, S., Hayward, C., Flicker, L., Woods, D. (2019). General practitioners’ perceptions of their communication with Australian Aboriginal patients with acquired neurogenic communication disorders. Patient Education and Counseling, 102(12), 2310-2317. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2019.07.029.
  • Brogan, E., Ciccone, N., Godecke, E. (2019). Treatment fidelity in aphasia randomised controlled trials. Aphasiology, 33(7), 759-779. https://doi.org/10.1080/02687038.2019.1576442.
  • Armstrong, B., Coffin, J., McAllister, M., Hersh, D., Katzenellenbogen, J., Thompson, S., Ciccone, N., Flicker, L., Cross, N., Arabi, L., Woods, D., Hayward, C. (2019). ‘I’ve got to row the boat on my own, more or less’: aboriginal australian experiences of traumatic brain injury. Brain Impairment, 20(2), 120-136. https://doi.org/10.1017/BrImp.2019.19.
  • Ciccone, N., Armstrong, B., Hersh, D., Adams, M., McAllister, M. (2019). The Wangi (talking) project: A feasibility study of a rehabilitation model for aboriginal people with acquired communication disorders after stroke. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 21(3), 305-316. https://doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2019.1595146.
  • Armstrong, B., Coffin, J., Hersh, D., Katznellenbogen, J., Thompson, S., Ciccone, N., Flicker, L., Woods, D., Hayward, C., Dowell, C., McAllister, M. (2019). “You felt like a prisoner in your own self, trapped”: the experiences of Aboriginal people with acquired communication disorders. Disability and Rehabilitation, 2019(Article in press), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2019.1686073.

2018

Journal Articles

  • Urbanowicz, A., Ciccone, N., Girdler, S., Leonard, H., Downs, J. (2018). Choice making in Rett syndrome: a descriptive study using video data. Disability and Rehabilitation, 40(7), 813-819. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2016.1277392.
  • Moore, K., Bacon, R., Bevitt, T., Bialocerkowski, A., Ciccone, N., Haworth, N., Horstmanshof, L., Milne, N., Naumann, F., Sanderson, B., Wells, C. (2018). Report: The University Health Clinic: Definition, educational practices and outcomes. Focus on Health Professional Education, 19(2), 1-13.
  • Hennessey, N., Fisher, G., Ciccone, N. (2018). Developmental changes in pharyngeal swallowing acoustics: a comparison of adults and children. Logopedics Phoniatrics Vocology, 43(2), 63-72. https://doi.org/10.1080/14015439.2017.1326526.
  • Katzenellenbogen, J., Atkins, E., Thompson, S., Hersh, D., Coffin, J., Flicker, L., Hayward, C., Ciccone, N., Woods, D., Greenland, M., McAllister, M., Armstrong, B. (2018). Missing Voices: Profile, Extent, and 12-Month Outcomes of Nonfatal Traumatic Brain Injury in Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Adults in Western Australia Using Linked Administrative Records. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 33(6), 412-423. https://doi.org/10.1097/HTR.0000000000000371.
  • Godecke, E., Rai, T., Cadilhac, D., Armstrong, B., Middleton, S., Ciccone, N., Whitworth, A., Rose, M., Holland, A., Ellery, F., Hankey, G., Bernhardt, J. (2018). Statistical analysis plan (SAP) for the Very Early Rehabilitation in Speech (VERSE) after stroke trial: aninternational 3-arm clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of early, intensive, prescribed, direct aphasia therapy. International Journal of Stroke, 13(8), 863-880. https://doi.org/10.1177/1747493018790055.

2017

Journal Articles

  • Armstrong, B., Ciccone, N., Hersh, D., Katzenellenbogen, J., Coffin, J., Thompson, S., Flicker, L., Hayward, C., Woods, D., McAllister, M. (2017). Development of the Aboriginal Communication Assessment After Brain Injury (ACAABI): a screening tool for identifying acquired communication disorders in Aboriginal Australians. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 19(3), 297-308. https://doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2017.1290136.
  • Penn, C., Armstrong, B., Brewer, K., Purves, B., McAllister, M., Hersh, D., Godecke, E., Ciccone, N., Lewis, A. (2017). De-colonizing Speech-Language Pathology practice in acquired neurogenic disorders. Perspectives on Neurophysiology and Neurogenic Speech and Language Disorders, 2(3), 91-99. https://doi.org/10.1044/persp2.SIG2.91.
  • Unwin, L., Bruz, I., Mayberry, M., Reynolds, V., Ciccone, N., Dissanayake, C., Hickey, M., Whitehouse, A. (2017). Acoustic properties of cries in 12-month old infants at high-risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 47(7), 2108-2119. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-017-3119-z.

2016

Journal Articles

  • Urbanowicz, A., Leonard, H., Girdler, S., Ciccone, N., Downs, J. (2016). Parental perspectives on the communication abilities of their daughters with Rett syndrome. Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 19(1), 17-25. https://doi.org/10.3109/17518423.2013.879940.
  • Hersh, D., Ciccone, N. (2016). Predicting potential for aphasia rehabilitation: The role of judgments of motivation. Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology, 18(1), 3-7.
  • Ciccone, N., West, D., Cream, A., Cartwright, J., Rai, T., Granger, A., Hankey, G., Godecke, E. (2016). Constraint-induced aphasia therapy (CIAT): a randomised controlled trial in very early stroke rehabilitation. Aphasiology, 30(5), 566-584. https://doi.org/10.1080/02687038.2015.1071480.
  • Hersh, D., Godecke, E., Armstrong, B., Ciccone, N., Bernhardt, J. (2016). “Ward Talk”: nurses' interaction with people with and without aphasia in the very early period poststroke. Aphasiology, 30(5), 609-628. https://doi.org/10.1080/02687038.2014.933520.
  • Godecke, E., Armstrong, B., Rai, T., Middleton, S., Ciccone, N., Whitworth, A., Rose, M., Holland, A., Ellery, F., Hankey, G., Cadilhac, D., Bernhardt, J. (2016). A randomized controlled trial of very early rehabilitation in speech after stroke. International Journal of Stroke, 11(5), 586-592. https://doi.org/10.1177/1747493016641116.
  • Ferreira, D., Ciccone, N., Verheggen, A., Godecke, E. (2016). Speech pathology service delivery in the acute hospital setting. Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology, 18(1), 19-22.
  • Urbanowicz, A., Downs, J., Girdler, S., Ciccone, N., Leonard, H. (2016). An Exploration of the Use of Eye Gaze and Gestures in Females With Rett Syndrome. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 59(6), 1373-1383. https://doi.org/10.1044/2015_JSLHR-L-14-0185.
  • Nang, C., Ciccone, N. (2016). Stuttering prognosis and predictive factors of treatment outcome: A review. Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology, 18(2), 94-99.
  • Katzenellenbogen, J., Atkins, E., Thompson, S., Hersh, D., Coffin, J., Flicker, L., Hayward, C., Ciccone, N., Woods, D., McAllister, M., Armstrong, B. (2016). Missing Voices: Profile and extent of acquired communication disorders in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal adult stroke survivors in Western Australia using linked administrative records. International Journal of Stroke, 11(1), 103-116. https://doi.org/10.1177/1747493015607521.

2015

Journal Articles

  • Armstrong, B., Hersh, D., Katzenellenbogen, J., Coffin, J., Thompson, S., Ciccone, N., Hayward, C., Flicker, L., Woods, D., McAllister, M. (2015). Study Protocol: Missing Voices - Communication difficulties after stroke and traumatic brain injury in Aboriginal Australians. Brain Impairment, 16(2), 145-156. https://doi.org/10.1017/BrImp.2015.15.
  • Urbanowicz, A., Downs, J., Girdler, S., Ciccone, N., Leonard, H. (2015). Aspects of speech-language abilities are influenced by MECP2 mutation type in girls with Rett Sydnrome. American Journal of Medical Genetics, 167(2), 354-362. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajmg.a.36871.

2014

Journal Articles

  • Stewart, K., Ciccone, N., Armstrong, B. (2014). Carer experiences with rehabilitation in the home. Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology, 16(1), 2-6.
  • Godecke, E., Ciccone, N., Granger, A., Rai, T., West, D., Cream, A., Cartwright, J., Hankey, G. (2014). A comparison of aphasia therapy outcomes before and after a Very Early Rehabilitation programme following stroke. International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders, 49(2), 149-161. https://doi.org/10.1111/1460-6984.12074.

2013

Journal Articles

  • Ciccone, N., Hersh, D., Priddis, L., Peterson, A. (2013). The role-emerging, interprofessional clinical placement: Exploring its value for students in speech pathology and counselling psychology.. Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology, 15(3), 110-114.
  • Godecke, E., Rai, T., Ciccone, N., Armstrong, B., Granger, A., Hankey, G. (2013). Amount of therapy matters in very early aphasia rehabilitation after stroke: A clinical prognostic model. Seminars in Speech and Language, 34(3), 129-141. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0033-1358369.

2012

Journal Articles

  • Armstrong, B., Mortensen, L., Ciccone, N., Godecke, E. (2012). Expressing opinions and feelings in a conversational setting. Seminars in Speech and Language, 33(1), 16-26. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0031-1301160.
  • Ciccone, N., Hennessey, N., Stokes, S. (2012). Community-based early intervention for language delay: a preliminary investigation. International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders, 47(4), 467-470. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1460-6984.2012.00149.x.
  • Ciccone, N., Priddis, L., Lloyd, A., Hersh, D., Taylor, A., Standish, G. (2012). Interprofessional clinical placement involving speech pathology and counselling psychology: Two students’ experiences.. Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology, 14(1), 7-11.

2011

Journal Articles

  • Appleton, S., Browne, A., Ciccone, N., Fong, K., Hankey, G., Lund, M., Miles, A., Wainstein, C., Zach, J., Yee, Y. (2011). A multidisciplinary social communication and coping skills group intervention for adults with acquired brain injury (ABI): A pilot feasibility study in an inpatient setting. Brain Impairment, 12(3), 210-222. https://doi.org/10.1375/brim.12.3.210.
  • Armstrong, B., Ciccone, N., Godecke, E., Kok, B. (2011). Monologues and dialogues in aphasia: Some initial comparisons. Aphasiology, 25(11), 1347-1371. https://doi.org/10.1080/02687038.2011.577204.
  • Miles, A., Ciccone, N., Godecke, E. (2011). Effects of Topic Familiarity on Discourse in Aphasia. ACQuiring Knowledge in Speech, Language & Hearing, 13(1), 7-11.

Research Projects

  • Enhancing rehabilitation services for Aboriginal Australians after brain injury: Healing Right Way, National Health and Medical Research Council, Partnership Projects, 2016 ‑ 2023, $1,856,079.
  • Brain injury yarning circles: Support groups for Aboriginal Australians after brain injury, Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Neurotrauma Research Program, 2020 ‑ 2022, $95,000.
  • Develop a systematic profiling of neurological conditions that will facilitate personalised treatment and streamline service delivery, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Western Australia, MS WA - Research funding for social and applied research, 2019 ‑ 2021, $1,200,000.
  • The feasibility and therapeutic utility of a 12-week telehealth delivered environmental enrichment program for young stroke survivors experiencing cognitive impairment, Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Neurotrauma Research Program, 2021, $84,600.
  • Investigating a Communication Enhanced Environment to Increase Communication Activity Early After Stroke. , Hollywood Private Hospital Research Foundation, Grant, 2016 ‑ 2020, $17,483.
  • Translation of a culturally responsive stroke rehabilitation service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples into a real-world setting in northern Australia: A Type 1 hybrid effectiveness implementation trial., National Health and Medical Research Council, Northern Australia Tropical Disease Collaborative Research Program, 2018 ‑ 2020, $9,487.
  • Yarning together: Developing a culturally secure rehabilitation approach for Aboriginal Australians after brain injury, Lowitja Institute Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health CRC, 2017 Research Funding, 2018 ‑ 2019, $166,445.
  • Evidence based practice in the treatment of adults who stutter: Towards translation, Edith Cowan University, ECU Early Career Researcher Grant - 2016, 2017 ‑ 2018, $21,158.
  • Stroke survivors and staff informing Very Early Rehabilitation in Speech (VERSE-Q): a VERSE qualitative sub-study., Edith Cowan University, ECU Collaboration Enhancement Scheme - 2016 Round 2, 2017 ‑ 2018, $10,000.
  • The Wangi (talking) project: a feasibility study of a culturally sensitive rehabilitation model for Aboriginal people post stroke., National Stroke Foundation, Seed Grants, 2016 ‑ 2017, $49,779.
  • Communication: How do females with Rett syndrome perform this activity?, Stan Perron Charitable Trust, Top Up Scholarship, 2012 ‑ 2014, $10,000.
  • Speech pathologists' clinical decision making in the provision of services to people with aphasia, Edith Cowan University, ECU Early Career Researcher - Grant, 2011 ‑ 2012, $18,375.

Research Student Supervision

Current Supervisions

Principal Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Does direct helicopter retrieval improve survival for severely injured trauma patients from rural locations?

Associate Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Investigating communication enhanced environments after stroke

Co-ordinating Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Ambulance workplace stressors: The health impact on our ambulance personnel

Completed Supervisions

Principal Supervisor

  • Master of Science (Medical Science), An exploration of the relationship between aphasia therapy and depression in post-stroke patients after rehabilitation at 12 and 26 weeks
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Treatment fidelity in very early rehabilitation in speech (verse) randomised controlled trial: An exploration of treatment for aphasia

Associate Supervisor

  • Master of Social Science, Speech and swallowing rehabilitation in the home: A comparison of two service delivery models for stroke survivors
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Communication: How do females with rett syndrome perform this activity and what factors influence performance?

Co-ordinating Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Exploring the preparedness of novice (student) paramedics for the mental health challenges of the paramedic profession using the wisdom of the elders.
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