Download Topic 1: Introduction to Communication Disorders and the

CSD 2230
HUMAN COMMUNICATION
DISORDERS
Topic 1
Introduction to Communication
Disorders and the Professions of
Speech Language Pathology and
Audiology
Human Communication
Communication is
fundamental to our
“humanness”
We can’t NOT
communicate
Communication styles can
vary with cultural
identity, setting and
participants--but the
end result is the same
Means of Communication
Language is the primary
vehicle of human
communication
Language can be defined as “a
socially shared code or
conventional system for
representing concepts
through the use of arbitrary
symbols and rule-governed
combinations of those
symbols”
Characteristics of Language
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Socially shared
Conventional
system
Arbitrary symbols
Rule-governed
Generative
Dynamic
Common Components of All
Languages
Form (Segmental aspects)
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The sound system (Phonology)
The word structure (Morphology)
The sentence structure (Syntax)
Content

Meaning (Semantics)
Use

Reason (Pragmatics)
Speech
One modality for language
Speech may be defined as
“spoken language”
Additional meaning is
conveyed by
suprasegmental
aspects of speech
Suprasegmental Features of
Speech
Voice quality
Loudness/Stress
Rate and Rhythm
Pitch and Intonation
Nonverbal Communication
The suprasegmental
aspects of speech
and nonvocal
message exchanges
inherent with
communication
Communication Impairment
“an impairment in the ability to receive,
send, process, and comprehend
concepts of verbal, nonverbal, and
graphic symbol systems”
A Classification System of
Communication Disorders
Major Disorders of Human
Communication
Hearing Disorders
“the result of impaired auditory
sensitivity of the
physiological auditory
system”
Deaf vs Hard of Hearing
Central Auditory Processing
Disorder
Major Disorders of Human
Communication
Speech Disorders
Articulation disorders
Neuromotor disorders
Dysarthria and
Apraxia
Voice Disorders
Major Disorders of Human
Communication
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Language Disorders
Disorders of Form
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Disorders of Use
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Phonological errors
Morphological errors
Errors of syntax
Semantic difficulties
Vocabulary problems
Word finding difficulty
Disorders of function

pragmatics
How Common are
Communication Disorders?
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Incidence vs prevalence
17% of total US population has some
kind of communication disorder
11% have a hearing loss
6% have some kind of speech, voice, or
language disorder
Prevalence may be higher or lower with
specific age groups or gender
Professionals Helping
Individuals with
Communication Disorders
Speech Language Pathologists
Professionals who identify, assess,
treat, and prevent speech and
language disorders both
receptively and expressively in all
modalities
Most SLPs are certified by the
American Speech Language
Hearing Association, have a
master’s or Ph.D. degree, and are
licensed to practice in the state
they work
Professionals Helping
Individuals with
Communication Disorders
Audiologists
Specialists who measure hearing ability
and identify, assess, manage, and
prevent disorders of hearing and
balance
Most audiologists are certified by the
American Speech Language Hearing
Association, have a master’s or Ph.D.
degree, and are licensed to practice in
the state they work
By 2012 the doctorate will be the minimal
entry-level qualification for audiologists
Other Members of the Team
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Teachers
Psychologists
Social Workers
Occupational and
Physical Therapists
Pediatricians,
Psychiatrists, Dentists,
Otolaryngologists,
Neurologists
The Profession of Speech
Language Pathology and
Audiology
1. Undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders that
2.
3.
4.
includes general (liberal education) study, basic science
coursework, and coursework dealing with normal aspects of
human communication and communication disorders
MA or MS degree with a major in communication disorders
from an accredited university. This also includes at least 350
hours of supervised clinical practicum
Passing score on the National Examination in SLP or
audiology
Completion of clinical fellowship equivalent to 36 week fulltime professional employment under supervision
The American Speech
Language Hearing Association
Non-profit organization of
SLPs and audiologists
founded in 1925
Currently, includes over
100,000 members
Responsibilities include:
Promote scientific study
Clinical services
Safeguard ethical standard
Advocacy