Language Disorders Across the Lifespan

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

170 hours

Completion of the following subjects:

N/A

N/A

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website : http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

In this unit, language disorders from infancy through childhood to adolescence and adulthood will be presented. Both developmental and acquired disorders will be the focus of study. Traditional and current approaches to the investigation of language disorders across the lifespan will be included, as well as the importance of multicultural factors. The focus will be on the description, assessment, differential diagnosis and treatment of developmental and acquired language disorders. The course will also discuss the characteristics of different language disorders within the context of academic achievement (literacy) and family, peer and work relationships.

On completion of this subject students should show they:

• understand and describe language disorders across lifespan
• understand and describe approaches toassessment and treatment for language disorders
• are aware of a range of language assessments available for different age groups
• can evaluate & interpret language assessment data
• can diagnose language disorders across the lifespan
• understand the different contexts of intervention delivery – prevention versus tertiary service delivery
• are capable of selecting interventions appropriate to the age and context of the client
• can apply intervention strategies which link to the school curricula and/or adult literacy/occupational context
• can establish intervention goals for individuals
• can document intervention progress and evaluate outcomes

Completion of a group assignment (1000 word) written document and a 5 minute oral presentation (500 words) to be submitted and presented to the group in week 8 - 30%

Completion of a written (1500 word) diagnostic report submitted in week 12 - 30%

A two hour written examination - 40%

Hurdle requirement: students must pass the written exam in order to pass the subject.

Paul, R. & Norbury, C.F. (2011) Language Disorders from Infancy through Adolescence. Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing and Communicating. 4th Edition Mosby.
Papthanasiou, I., Coppens, P., & Potagas, C. (2013) Aphasia and related neurogenic communication disorders. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Pub.

Nil.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject students should show:

• an ability to evaluate and synthesise information in a flexible manner
• a capacity to articulate their knowledge in both oral and written formats
• able to understand the normal curve and be able to compare test results against tables of normal development