Child Lang Dev and Disorders

Catalog description

This course is an advanced study of the relationship between language development, cognitive development, and language impairment in pediatric populations from birth to five years of age. First, the course begins by giving the student a solid footing in typical developmental milestones as well as current theories of language development and disorders. Second, populations of children who demonstrate language impairment, including late talkers, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome, and Preschool Language Impairment/Specific Language Impairment are explored. Third, the importance of the assessment process in determining a diagnosis, a prognosis, and recommendations for intervention are emphasized. Finally, setting of appropriate language goals and scaffolding of language performance in treatment sessions. Students will gain an understanding of how language development within culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds differs from language impairment. Students will become familiar with ASHA standards, ethics and scope of practice as it relates to language impairment and working with individuals from diverse cultural and language backgrounds.