Speech Disorders Across the Life Span (11980.1)

This unit explores the aetiology, assessment, differential diagnosis, and management of both developmental and acquired speech disorders across the lifespan. Students will apply current theoretical perspectives, evidence-based practice, ICF principles, and collaborative, client-centred approaches to the selection of formal and informal assessment and intervention strategies which aim to optimise functional communication and active participation in the community.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Understand the changes in neuroanatomy and brain function after acquired brain injury;
2. Triangulate knowledge of normal speech sound development and typical developmental error patterns with data from interaction and assessment to determine a differential diagnosis of speech sound disorders in children and adolescents;
3. Select and evaluate formal and informal assessment processes for children and adults using a holistic and client-centred approach;
4. Work collaboratively with clients, caregivers and community to apply evidence-based practice and ICF principles to the management of children and adults with speech disorders to optimise functional communication and active participation; and
5. Modify assessments and interventions for diverse populations e.g. children with cerebral palsy, multilingual clients, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - communicate effectively in diverse cultural and social settings
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
4. UC graduates are able to demonstrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing - apply their knowledge to working with Indigenous Australians in socially just ways

Prerequisites

10272 Clinical Speech Pathology 2

Corequisites

11981 Paediatric language and literacy

Incompatible units

None

Equivalent units

None

Assumed knowledge

None.