1. Read the Chapter in the textbook.
2. Review the Essential Concepts below.
3. Answer and submit the Chapter Outline and Objectives
Remember to include the assignment or question statement before you write your answer.
Essential Concepts
Communication is necessary in nearly every aspect of a childŐs day-to-day routine; its role in learning social and academic skills is critical. Disorders involving studentŐs articulation, voice quality, fluency, or use and understanding of language can significantly influence the studentŐs learning. It is no wonder that speech and language disorders represent the second largest disability category in terms of the number of children served.
Normal language development follows a relatively predictable sequence. Most children learn to use language without direct instruction by age 5. When a childŐs language development deviates from the norm to such an extent that he or she has serious difficulties in learning and in interpersonal relations, the child is said to have a communication disorder. Special education is needed when a communication disorder adversely affects educational performance.
As many as 5% of school-age children have speech impairments serious enough to warrant attention. Nearly twice as many boys as girls have speech impairments. Children with articulation problems represent the largest category of speech-language impairments.
Communication disorders that are organic are attributed to a specific physical cause. Most communication disorders, however, do not have a known physical origin. Environmental influences, such as the childŐs opportunity to learn speech and language, are thought to be the major causes of many communication disorders.
There are various treatment approaches to speech and language disorders. With few exceptions, however, treatment of children with such disorders involves aspects of their environment where they need to communicate. The goal of most treatment programs is to teach children to communicate with a variety of other individuals and across a variety of circumstances.
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) may be necessary in severe situations. An augmentative communication system is designed to supplement and enhance a personŐs communication capabilities.
Chapter Outline and Objectives
DEFINITIONS
1. List the 3 elements that that are needed for communication to occur.
2. Describe the 4 functions of language.
3. Define Language.
4. List and provide examples of the 5 dimensions of language.
5. Define speech.
6. Define communication disorder.
7. Compare and contrast the definitions of speech impairments and language disorders.
CHARACTERISTICS
1. Identify and describe the types of communication disorders.
PREVALENCE
1. List the percentage data for students receiving special education services for speech or language impairments.
CAUSES
1. Identify the probable causes of some speech and language disorders.
IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT
1. Describe the evaluation components for speech and language disorders.
EDUCATIONAL APPROACHES
1. Describe the treatment options for articulation, phonological, and fluency problems.
2. Define and provide examples of augmentative and alternative communication.
EDUCATIONAL PLACEMENT ALTERNATIVES
1. Describe the continuum of educational placements for students with communication disorders.
CURRENT ISSUS AND FUTURE TRENDS
1. Discuss the controversy regarding the use of speech and language pathologists in the classroom.