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).