Communication Sciences and Disorders 607
COSD 607: Language Disorders in School-Age Children and Adolescents
Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission
Credit Hours: (3)
The nature of language disorders in school age children and adolescents and the application of current research and theory to prevention, assessment, and intervention in this population.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
This course focuses on current research and theory regarding prevention, assessment, differential diagnosis, and intervention with children and adolescents who have language disorders. The course, which focuses on both spoken and written language disorders, addresses the needs of elementary school children at a language-for-learning phase and the needs of older students with advanced language. Characteristics and needs of special populations of children with language disorders are addressed. Child language disorders in a multi-cultural, multi-linguistic society are discussed.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
This course is reading and writing intensive. Students will read recent research literature, write answers to study guide questions, and complete projects that require synthesis and application of the information to clinical situations and case studies. Projects focus on critiques of assessment procedures and planning intervention that is congruent with academic curricula and social contextual demands.
Goals and Objectives of Course
This course is structured to provide students with the knowledge and skills to be able to
1. describe the nature and severity of language impairment in school age children and adolescents;
2. distinguish cultural and linguistic differences from language disorders
3. plan, implement, and interpret assessment procedures that are valid, reliable, and culturally and linguistically relevant to the social and learning needs of children and adolescents;
4. differentially diagnose the language impairments associated with various etiologic or categorical developmental phenomena;
5. plan and implement intervention that reflects current theory and research and brings about change in the communication systems and contexts of students that are relevant to their needs for
- social appropriateness, acceptance, and closeness.
- formal and informal learning
- gainful occupation (whether paid or unpaid)
6. identify policies and procedures for preventing language disorders in children and adolescents
Assessment Measures
Graded assignments may include class participation and discussion, written examinations, and completion and presentation of clinical assessment and intervention projects.
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
September 2001 Revised to update title, Raymond Linville, Chairperson