Communication Sciences and Disorders Across the Lifespan

Designed for undergraduate students beginning their educational journey in communication sciences and disorders, this comprehensive new introductory textbook delves into the intricacies of human communication, providing a thorough understanding of the disorders that can impede this vital function. Written by authors with extensive experience in both academic and clinical settings, Communication Sciences and Disorders Across the Lifespan covers the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology, the concept of disability, anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing, speech and language development, overviews of the various communication disorders across the lifespan (speech sound disorders, motor speech disorders, pediatric language disorders, learning disorders, literacy impairments, adult language and communication disorders, stuttering, voice disorders, hearing disorders), AAC, evidence-based practice, and research. Case studies are integrated into the text to illustrate the application of theoretical concepts in clinical settings. The authors have created a comprehensive, current, and pedagogically rich resource that stands out for its innovative learning tools and unique chapters, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging experience for students with different learning styles. The text comes with ancillary resources for both instructors and students on a PluralPlus companion website. 

Unique Content

• Disability Across the Lifespan: Comprehensive chapter on the broader context of disability, its history, models, and intersectionalities with race, gender, age, and socioeconomic status. It also discusses ableism, accessibility, and disability rights in the U.S.
• Understanding Research and Evidence-Based Practice: This chapter provides an in-depth look at research methods, types of research, and the importance of evidence-based practice within the field of communication sciences and disorders. 
• Specific Learning Disorders: A dedicated chapter addressing learning disorders and literacy impairments, including reading, writing, and math disorders.
• Content related to Cultural and Linguistic Diversity is woven throughout the text instead of in a dedicated chapter.
• The authors compiled a multitude of additional readings, websites, and videos made easily accessible with QR Codes in the margins. 

Key Features

• Engaging: Complex theories and concepts are presented in an accessible and engaging manner, and figures and illustrations are in full color. 
• Current and Relevant: Integrates the latest research and clinical practices to ensure students are learning the most up-to-date information.
• Practical Application: Emphasizes real-world application of concepts through case studies, clinical examples, and learning activities.
• Interactive Learning: Features learning activities and links to multimedia resources to further enhance understanding and retention.
• Robust Pedagogical Features:
  • Learning Objectives and Key Terms: Chapters begins with a concise list of learning objectives and key terms that outline the key information students should master.
  • Figures, Tables, and Photographs: The full-color art program includes detailed anatomical images, photos, charts, and tables that aid in understanding complex concepts.
  • QR Codes: Websites and videos are easily found by using QR Codes in the margins. 
  • Case Studies: Real-world case studies are integrated to illustrate the application of theoretical concepts in clinical settings. 
  • Clinical Examples: Examples from clinical practice are interwoven throughout the text, providing context and relevance to the material. These examples help students connect theory to practice and understand the real-world significance of their studies.
  • Research Highlights: Sections within each chapter highlight current research and advancements in the field. These highlights emphasize the importance of evidence-based practice.
  • Pause and Ponder Boxes and Discussion Topics: Thought-provoking discussion topics encourage critical thinking and class participation. These topics are designed to stimulate deeper understanding and engagement with the material.
  • Summary Sections: Each chapter concludes with a summary that recaps the key points covered. This helps reinforce learning and provides a quick review for students.
  • Review Questions: At the end of each chapter, review questions encourage students to reflect on and apply what they have learned. These questions reinforce key concepts and provide an opportunity for self-assessment.
  • Annotated Bibliographies: Curated to provide the most relevant and up-to-date sources in the field.
  • A comprehensive Glossary and Index at the end of the book offer quick reference and reinforcement of the key terminology.

PluralPlus Online Ancillary Materials

For instructors: PowerPoint Slides, Test Bank, Videos, Instructional Outlines, Class Activities, Case Studies

For students: Study Quizzes, Study Guides

Reviews

“The themes of cultural considerations, health care disparities and DEI are woven throughout. …The content has a nice balance of milestone research (e.g., Brown’s table, Sander’s consonant development graph) with current research. …The authors’ writing style is very approachable. Most chapter introductions start with a question directed to the reader which is a great hook: “Have you ever been at a football game cheering for your team with such energy that you have lost your voice? Do you know a singer who had to cancel a show because they lost their voice?” 
…The resources included in each chapter allow for an instructor to go deeper into topics depending on circumstances. These resources also give students opportunity to 'customize' their learning since each student will have a different set of interests. This is a great book for students to keep as a reference moving into through their undergraduate degrees and into their graduate programs.”
— Susana L. Keller, MS, MBA, CScD, Program Director, MS Speech-Language Pathology, Chair, Communication Sciences & Disorders, DeSales University

“The clear strengths of this book are the additional sections that I have not seen in other introductory textbooks, which include the research in the profession, neurodiversity, historical lens of disability studies, and the appendix on how to read primary sources.”
— An Dinh, PhD, Assistant Professor, Speech-Language Pathology, The University of Toledo

“The chapters are well written and consistent in focus. I like that many of the paragraphs are written in a language that welcomes the reader to continue reading the information. …I feel the book is appropriate for those just beginning to study CSD. …I loved the questions and examples at the end of the chapters. One thing that I have not seen in many intro books is a well-written chapter on research. I was especially enthusiastic to see that the authors included how to read a journal article or how to read research. Chapter 2, understanding the history of disability was a refreshing chapter. There are not many ‘intro’ books that will include this topic.”
— Ruth Renee Hannibal, PhD, CCC-SLP, Associate Professor, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Valdosta State University

“This a book I could create or recreate the intro to CSD course around with well broken up sections that align with a typical school schedule.  …For students getting acclimated to the major, this meets the need of introductory topics to build upon in further classes. …Prelock and Brien do well to credit the spans of knowledge in our profession in a well-organized way that meets the level for an Introduction to CSD class. The chapters fit nicely into a typical semester length to support organized teaching.”
— Nicole Lewis MS, CCC-SLP, Gannon University

“It is much more '101' friendly in its examples, and the way it hooks in these young readers. …I really like the dysphagia chapter as it is very accessible for beginning students.  …The text is very up-to-date, especially for the DEI aspects and inclusion of neurodiversity.”
— Melissa Caserta, MS, CCC-SLP, Instructor/Clinical Educator, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Southeastern Louisiana University

“The content on the history of disability was well written and impactful. …The key takeaways at the end of the chapters along with the definitions and discussion prompts are a nice wrap-up, and will be useful by the instructor for discussion within the class and also for assignment content.”
— Natalie Armstrong, DEd, CCC-SLP, Clinical Instructor, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Pennsylvania Western University

Preface
Acknowledgments
Contributor
Reviewers
Using This Textbook

Chapter 1. An Introduction to Communication Disorders and the Professions of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Learning Objectives
Key Terms
Introduction
What We Know About This Topic
    What Is a Communication Disorder?
    Cultural Considerations
What Are the Career Pathways for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists?
    Audiologists
    Speech-Language Pathologists
    Career Pathways for Audiology or Speech-Language Pathologist Assistants
Research Innovations in Communication Sciences and Disorders
    Why Is This Topic Important?
Overview of the Book Chapters
Chapter Summary
Key Takeaways
Chapter Review Questions
Learning Activities
Additional Resources
References

Chapter 2. Disability Across the Lifespan
Leaning Objectives
Key Terms
Introduction
    Language Used in This Chapter
What Is Disability?
History of Disability
Models of Disability
Stigmatization
Disability and Illness
Ableism and Accessibility
The Intersectionalities of Disability
    Disability and Race
    Disability and Gender
    Disability and Age
    Disability and Socioeconomic Status
Disability Rights in the United States
Why Is This Topic Important?
Chapter Summary
Chapter Review Questions
Learning Activities
Suggested Reading
Suggested Films
References

Chapter 3. Understanding Speech and Language Development
Learning Objectives
Key Terms
Introduction
Early Speech Development
Early Language Development
Receptive and Expressive Language
Phonology
Semantics
Morphology and Syntax
Pragmatics
Late Talkers
Assessment
Intervention
Why Is It Important to Understand Speech and Language Development?
Chapter Summary
Chapter Review Questions
Learning Activities
Suggested Reading
Additional Resources
References

Chapter 4. Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism
Learning Objectives
Key Terms
Introduction
Respiratory System
Phonatory System
    Characteristics of Voice Production: Pitch and Loudness
Articulatory System
Resonatory System
Chapter Summary
Chapter Review Questions
Learning Activities
References

Chapter 5. Developmental Speech Sound Disorders
Learning Objectives
Key Terms
Introduction
What We Know About This Topic
    Risk Factors for Functional Speech Sound Disorders
    Incidence/Prevalence of Childhood Speech Sound Disorders
Characteristics of Speech Sound Disorders
    Cultural Considerations in Speech Production
What Can We Do to Address This Communication Challenge?
    Assessment
    Cultural Considerations for Assessing Bilingual Children
Intervention for Childhood Speech Disorders
    Intervention Considerations for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations
Why Is This Topic Important?
Application to a Child
Chapter Summary
Chapter Review Questions
Learning Activities
Suggested Reading
Additional Resources
References

Chapter 6. Motor Speech Disorders
With Dorothy Yang
Learning Objectives
Key Terms
Introduction
The Brain
Motor Speech Disorders
    Dysarthria
    Apraxia of Speech
    Cerebral Palsy
    Impact of Motor Speech Disorders Across the Lifespan
    Cross-Cultural Information
Assessment
    Assessment for Adult Populations
    Assessment Considerations for Pediatric Populations
    Cross-Cultural Considerations in Assessment
Treatment
    Treatment for Adult Populations
    Treatment Considerations for Pediatric Populations
Why Is This Topic Important?
Application to a Child
Application to an Adult
Chapter Summary
Chapter Review Questions
Learning Activities
Suggested Reading
References

Chapter 7. Childhood Language Disorders
Learning Objectives
Key Terms
Introduction
What We Know About This Topic
    Signs and Symptoms of Language Disorders
    Incidence and Prevalence of Language Disorders
    Causes of Language Disorders
    Other Disorders That Share Characteristics of a Language Disorder
What Do We Do to Address This Communication Challenge?
    Assessment of Childhood Language Disorders
    Cultural Considerations
    Intervention for Childhood Language Disorders
    Intervention Applications in Cultural Groups
    Additional Intervention Approaches 
    Service Delivery Options 
Why Is This Topic Important?
Application to a Child
Chapter Summary
Chapter Review Questions
Learning Activities
Suggested Reading
Additional Resource
References

Chapter 8. Specific Learning Disorders and Literacy Impairments
Learning Objectives
Key Terms
Introduction
What Is a Specific Learning Disorder?
What We Know About This Topic
    Incidence and Prevalence of Learning Disorders
    Signs of Learning Disorders
    Causes of Learning Disorders
    Co-Occurring Disorders
    Reading Disorders
    Written Language Disorders
    Math Disorders
    Nonverbal Learning Disability
What Do We Do to Address This Communication Challenge?
    Assessment
    Intervention
Why Is This Topic Important?
Application to a Child
Application to an Adolescent
Chapter Summary 
Chapter Review Questions
Learning Activities
Suggested Reading
Additional Resources
References

Chapter 9. Adult Language and Cognitive Communication Disorders
Learning Objectives
Key Terms
Introduction
    The Brain
Aphasia
    Fluent Aphasia
    Nonfluent Aphasia
    Causes
    Impact of Aphasia Across the Lifespan
Right Hemisphere Disorder
    Causes
    Impact of Right Hemisphere Brain Injury Across the Lifespan
Traumatic Brain Injury 
    Causes
    Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury Across the Lifespan
Dementia
    Causes
    Alzheimer Disease
    Impact of Dementia Across the Lifespan
Assessment
    Aphasia
    Right Hemisphere Disorder
    Traumatic Brain Injury
    Dementia
    Cultural Considerations
Intervention
    Aphasia
    Right Hemisphere Disorder
    Traumatic Brain Injury
    Dementia
    Cultural Considerations
Why Is This Topic Important?
Application to an Adult
Chapter Summary
Chapter Review Questions
Learning Activities
Suggested Reading
References

Chapter 10. Fluency Disorders
Learning Objectives
Key Terms
Introduction
What We Know About This Topic
    Incidence and Prevalence
Characteristics of Stuttering
    Characteristics of Cluttering
    Causes of Stuttering
    Causes of Cluttering
Assessment
    Results of an Assessment
    Cultural and Linguistic Considerations for Assessment
What Do We Do to Address This Communication Challenge?
    Interventions for Stuttering
    Interventions for Cluttering
    Cultural and Linguistic Considerations for Stuttering Intervention
Why Is This Topic Important?
Application to a Child
Application to an Adolescent or Adult
Chapter Summary
Chapter Review Questions
Learning Activities
Suggested Reading
Additional Resources
References

Chapter 11. Voice Disorders
Learning Objectives
Key Terms
Introduction
What We Know About This Topic
    Voice Disruption in Voice Disorders
    Causes of Voice Disruption
What Do We Do to Address This Communication Challenge?
    Assessment of Voice Disorders
    Intervention for Voice Disorders
Why Is This Topic Important?
Application to a Child
Application to an Adolescent or Adult
Chapter Summary
Chapter Review Questions
Learning Activities
Suggested Reading
Additional Resources
References

Chapter 12. Feeding and Swallowing Disorders
With Dorothy Yang
Learning Objectives
Key Terms
Introduction
What We Know About This Topic
    Preoral Phase
    Oral Preparatory/Oral Phase
    Pharyngeal Phase
    Esophageal Phase
    Characteristics of Dysphagia
Impact of the Disorder Across the Lifespan
    Cross-Cultural Information
Assessment
    Assessment Considerations for Adults Populations
    Assessment Considerations for Pediatric Populations
Treatment
    Treatment Considerations for Adult Populations
    Treatment Considerations for Pediatric Populations
Why Is This Topic Important?
Application to a Child
Application to an Adolescent or Adult
Chapter Summary
Chapter Review Questions
Learning Activities
Suggested Reading
References

Chapter 13. Hearing Disorders and Their Impact on Communication
Learning Objectives
Key Terms
Introduction
What We Know About This Topic
    Anatomy of the Hearing Mechanism
    Normal Hearing Development
    What Does Hearing Impairment Look Like?
What Do We Do to Address This Communication Challenge?
    Hearing Assessment
    Hearing Assessment in Children
    Treatment Planning, Management, and Options for Individuals With Hearing Loss
    Cultural and Linguistic Considerations
Why Is This Topic Important?
Application to a Child
Application to an Adolescent or Adult
Chapter Summary
Chapter Review Questions
Learning Activities
Suggested Reading
Additional Resources
References

Chapter 14. Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Learning Objectives
Key Terms
Introduction
Characteristics of AAC
    Unaided AAC
    Aided AAC
    No-Tech/Low-Tech AAC
    High-Tech AAC
    Access
    Symbols and Vocabulary
Importance of AAC
AAC Users
AAC Assessment
AAC Intervention
    AAC Intervention for Developmental Conditions
AAC Intervention for Acquired Conditions
Considerations for AAC
    AAC Abandonment
    Multimodal Communication
    Bilingual AAC Users
    Myths of AAC
Applications to a Child
Applications to an Adult
Chapter Summary
Chapter Review Questions
Learning Activities
Suggested Reading
References

Chapter 15. Understanding Research and Evidence-Based Practice
Learning Objectives
Key Terms
Introduction
Types of Research
    Quantitative Research
    Qualitative Research
Importance of Research for Clinical Practice
Chapter Summary
Chapter Review Questions
Learning Activities
Suggested Reading
References
Appendix 15–1. Tips for Reading a Primary Source

Glossary
Index