Aphasia and Cognitive Communication disorders (11982.1)

This unit will focus on assessment, differential diagnosis, and clinical management of adults with acquired language and cognitive-communication disorders associated with stroke, traumatic brain injury and progressive neurological conditions such as dementia in different cultural contexts. Students will understand the nature of acquired language disorders using current theoretical perspectives and develop holistic, client centred and evidence-based approaches to assessment and management. The impact of acquired language disorders on quality of life and participation in community contexts will be explored.

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. Apply theoretical frameworks to identify the nature of the communication impairment in individuals with acquired brain injuries;
3. Select and evaluate formal and informal speech pathology assessments using a holistic and client centred approach for adults with complex communication issues after acquired brain injury, considering cultural and linguistic diversity;
4. Apply evidence-based practice and ICF principles to the treatment of adults with acquired language or cognitive communication disorders to optimise functional communication and quality of life within a collaborative, client-centred model of treatment;
5. Understand the nature of the interdisciplinary team involved in the management of individuals with acquired brain injury; and
6. Modify assessments and interventions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
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 - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
2. UC graduates are global citizens - understand issues in their profession from the perspective of other cultures
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas

Prerequisites

10272 Clinical Speech Pathology 2

Corequisites

10267 Principles of Dysphagia

Incompatible units

None

Equivalent units

None

Assumed knowledge

None.