Introduction to Communication Disorders Handout

Introduction to Communication Disorders

• Course Code: CDIS 290

• Date: 1/12/25

• Agenda: Assigned Readings, Lecture, and Quiz

Objectives

• Topics Covered: History, Definitions, Laws, Education

• Assigned Readings:

  • Assessment and Evaluation of Speech-Language Disorders in Schools

  • Social Model of Disability (Video)

History of Communication Disorders

• Key Figures:

  • Alexander Melville Bell and Alexander Graham Bell

  • Contributions in speech and telecommunication

• Organizations:

  • National Society for the Study and Correction of Speech Disorders (1918)

  • American Academy of Speech Correction (1925)

  • American Speech-Language Hearing Association (1947)

Definitions of Communication

• Types of Communication:

  • Speaking: Verbal expression using words

  • Non-Speaking: Use of gestures, signs, pictures, and text

• Contextual Factors: Culture and environment affecting communication

Language Overview

• Expressive Language: Facilitating use of language

• Receptive Language: Understanding and comprehension

Speech Components

• Key Elements:

  • Articulation and speech sounds

  • Stuttering and fluency

  • Voice quality: Rate, intonation, rhythm

• Literacy Skills: Include phonics, decoding, vocabulary, reading comprehension

Hearing Loss

• Types:

  • Conductive

  • Sensorineural

  • Mixed

Communication Disorders

• Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD):

  • Challenges in processing auditory information

  • No language or cognitive disorders

• Causes:

  • Developmental or acquired

  • Congenital conditions, syndromes, and diseases

Ableism

• Definition: Discrimination against individuals with disabilities

• Legislation: American with Disabilities Act

• Focus: Strength-based approaches and accessibility

IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)

• Purpose: Ensures educational needs of students with disabilities are met

• Year Established: 1990

Evaluations in Communication Disorders

• Purpose: Identify communication disorders and their impacts

• Components:

  • Case history, standardized measures, interviews

  • Identifying goals for intervention

Intervention Strategies

• Primary Focus: Address goals outlined in evaluations

• Components: Setting, frequency, accommodations, and use of AAC

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

• Types:

  • Total communication, aided, unaided methods

  • Examples include iPads, communication books, visual schedules

IFSP and IEP

• IFSP: Individualized Family Service Plan for ages 0-3, family-centered approach

• IEP: Individualized Education Plan for ages 3-22, centered on education settings

Team Collaboration in Treatment

• Team Members Include:

  • Speech language pathologists, audiologists, OTs, PTs, doctors, and educators

Prevalence of Communication Disorders

• Statistics:

  • 1 in 12 children (7.7%) aged 3-17 have communication disorders

  • Higher rates in certain demographics (e.g., Native/Indigenous, Black children)

Education and Certification

• SLP Education: Requires a Master’s degree and certification

• Audiology: Requires a Doctorate and specialized exams

Quiz Information

• Content: Covers key lecture material

• Format: 5 questions, 10 points total

References

• Key Texts: Owens, R. E. et al., and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (1993).