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COURSE OUTLINE

This module covers the range of developmental language and communication impairments and their consequences; methods of speech and language therapy assessment and intervention; and models of delivery of speech and language therapy, particularly the importance of working with others. Alongside theoretical background and current research, practical and clinical aspects are considered and there are particularly close links with SLAN0003 (Professional and Clinical Studies), SLAN0006 (Linguistic and Psychological Perspectives on Development) and SLAN0005 (Management of Communication Disorders 2: Speech and Hearing). This module also links with a number of Year B modules including SLAN0009 Management of Communication Disorders 3: Language and Cognition (acquired) and SLAN0010: MCD 4: Speech, Swallowing and Voice. This module is relevant to the Health and Care Professions Council ‘Standards of Proficiency’ for speech and language therapists relating to the management of clients with developmental language and communication impairments.

AIMS

• To develop knowledge and understanding of the range, nature and causes of developmental language and communication difficulties and their impact through to adulthood.
• To develop knowledge and understanding of a range of common assessment and management approaches to children and young people with a range of language and communication difficulties.
• To integrate knowledge of assessment and intervention approaches with current UK health and educational contexts.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Knowledge and understanding

By the end of this course, students will be able to describe and discuss:

• theoretical and applied research relevant to developmental language and communication difficulties;
• the ways in which language processing can be impaired and the range of features and conditions that arise in developmental language and communication difficulties;
• the ways in which a range of language and communication difficulties can be assessed;
• theoretical rationale, application and evaluation for common intervention approaches used with children with a range of language and communication difficulties.

Skills

By the end of this course, students will be able to demonstrate that, for clients with developmental language and communication difficulties, they can:

• select and describe appropriate assessment procedures;
• make and justify a differential diagnosis;
• develop an overall management plan;
• develop and evaluate an appropriate intervention programme;
• adapt practise to meet the needs of children and families from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds;
• collaborate with children and young people, parents and other professionals;
• clearly communicate information related to language and communication difficulties to people from a range of backgrounds.

These outcomes will be achieved through:

• guided reading and self-study tasks;
• teaching the syllabus outlined below;
• online resources and activities;
• discussion of integration of theory and practice during workshops including use of students’ own clinical examples;
• guidance and formative feedback from lecturers on data analysis tasks.