CSD 2230HUMAN COMMUNICATION

DISORDERS

Topic 1Introduction to Communication Disorders and the Professions of Speech Language Pathology and

Audiology

Human CommunicationCommunication 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 CommunicationLanguage 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

Socially shared Conventional

system Arbitrary symbols Rule-governed Generative Dynamic

Common Components of All Languages

Form (Segmental aspects) 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 qualityLoudness/StressRate and RhythmPitch 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 disordersNeuromotor disorders

Dysarthria and Apraxia

Voice Disorders

Major Disorders of Human Communication Language Disorders Disorders of Form

Phonological errors Morphological errors Errors of syntax

Disorders of Use Semantic difficulties Vocabulary problems Word finding difficulty

Disorders of function pragmatics

How Common are Communication Disorders? 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 DisordersSpeech 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 DisordersAudiologists

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

Teachers Psychologists Social Workers Occupational and

Physical Therapists Pediatricians,

Psychiatrists, Dentists, Otolaryngologists, Neurologists

The Profession of Speech Language Pathology and

Audiology1. Undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders

that includes general (liberal education) study, basic science coursework, and coursework dealing with normal aspects of human communication and communication disorders

2. 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

3. Passing score on the National Examination in SLP or audiology

4. Completion of clinical fellowship equivalent to 36 week full-time professional employment under supervision

The American Speech Language Hearing

AssociationNon-profit organization

of SLPs and audiologists founded in 1925

Currently, includes over 100,000 members

Responsibilities include:Promote scientific studyClinical servicesSafeguard ethical

standardAdvocacy