Comprehensive yet compact and user-friendly, the fourth edition of Introduction to Communication Disorders takes a unique lifespan perspective that enables students to focus both on disorders and also on how these disorders impact on the lives of individuals. Through case studies, technical illustrations, best practices boxes, and other features, each chapter describes a specific disorder, related assessment, and applicable intervention methods – all with a foundation in evidence-based practices.
More than a simple catalog of communication disorders, this relaxed and readable introductory text illustrates each chapter with a detailed case study. In addition, the new and completely revised fourth edition of this book has been updated to include new features, new research, and new material.
New to this Edition:
The addition of evidence-based practice (EBP) throughout the text provides students with the most effective and efficient assessment and intervention practices possible. Research updates and revisions throughout the text, including over 400 new and relevant research studies, keeps the book current and relevant in an ever-changing field. Best practices boxes in each chapter cover the ideal assessment and intervention process for each disorder discussed and offer students a quick and easy-to-read reference. Website references in each chapter allow readers to further explore topics relating to communication disorders on the Internet. New diagrams and figures illustrate the locations of various disorders, especially those with a neurological basis. New communication disorders have been added, including childhood motor speech disorders and other language disorders, making the text more comprehensive. A redesigned companion website is now more user-friendly and better helps students learn the material included in the text and explore additional websites of interest.
Table of Contents:
Preface
1. A Journey: From Student to Professional
Helping Others to Help Themselves
Service Through the Lifespan
Communication Disorders in Historical Perspective
2. Typical and Disordered Communication
Human Communication
Communication Through the Lifespan
Communication Impairments
3. Anatomy and Physiology Related to Speech, Hearing, and Language
The Physiological Subsystems Supporting Speech
The Speech Production Process
4. Assessment and Intervention
Differences, Dialects, Disorders
Is There a Problem?
Defining the Problem
Intervention with Communication Disorders
5. Childhood Language Impairments
Language Development Through the Lifespan
Association Disorders and Related Causes
Aspects of Language Affected
Assessment
Intervention
6. Developmental Literacy Impairments
Reading
Writing
7. Adult Language Impairments
Language Development Through the Lifespan
Aphasia
Right Hemisphere Damage
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Dementia
8. Fluency Disorders
Fluent Speech Versus Stuttering
The Onset and Development of Stuttering Through the Lifespan
Therapeutic Techniques Used with Young Children
Therapeutic Techniques Used with Older Children and Adults Who Stutter
The Effectiveness of Stuttering Intervention Through the Lifespan
9. The Voice and Voice Disorders
Pitch and the Pitch-Changing Mechanism
Vocal Loudness and the Loudness-Changing Mechanism
The Voice Evaluation and Intervention
Efficacy of Voice Therapy
10. Disorders of Articulation and Phonology
Understanding Speech Sounds
Speech-Sound Development Through the Lifespan
Associated Disorders and Related Causes
Language and Dialectal Variations
Intervention
11. Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate
Physical Challenges of Clefts Through the Lifespan
Development of the Face and Palate
Cleft Lip and Palate Classification Systems
Clinical Features of Clefts
Etiologics of Clefts
Incidence of Clefts
Communication Problems Associated with Clefts
12. Neurogenic Speech Disorders
Causes of Neurogenic Speech Disorders
The Dysarthrias
Apraxia of Speech
13. Disorders of Swallowing
Lifespan Perspectives
The Swallowing Process
Disordered Swallowing
Evaluation for Swallowing
Dysphagia Intervention and Treatment
Prognoses and Outcomes for Swallowing Disorders
14. Audiology and Hearing Losee
Incidence and Prevalence of Hearing Loss
Hearing Loss Through the Lifespan
What Is Audiology?
Anatomy and Physiology of the Auditory System
Types of Hearing Loss
Degrees of Hearing Loss
Audiological Assessment Procedures
Aural (Audiological) Habilitation/Rehabilitation
15. Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Types of AAC
Speech and AAC
Intervention Considerations
Appendix A: Requirements for Becoming an Audiologist
Appendix B: Requirements for Becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist
Glossary
References
Author Index
Subject Index
About the Author :
Robert Owens is a NYS Distinguished Teaching Professor of Communicative Disorders and Sciences at SUNY Geneseo and the author of three textbooks, and a score of other books, articles and book chapters. He has presented over 180 professional workshops and papers. His professional interests are language development and disorders.
