Communication Sciences and Disorders Across the Lifespan

COMING IN DECEMBER!

Designed for undergraduate students beginning their educational journey in communication sciences and disorders, this comprehensive new introductory textbook delves into the intricacies of human communication, providing a thorough understanding of the disorders that can impede this vital function. Written by authors with extensive experience in both academic and clinical settings, Communication Sciences and Disorders Across the Lifespan covers the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology, the concept of disability, anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing, speech and language development, overviews of the various communication disorders across the lifespan (speech sound disorders, motor speech disorders, pediatric language disorders, learning disorders, literacy impairments, adult language and communication disorders, stuttering, voice disorders, hearing disorders), AAC, evidence-based practice, and research. Case studies are integrated into the text to illustrate the application of theoretical concepts in clinical settings. The authors have created a comprehensive, current, and pedagogically rich resource that stands out for its innovative learning tools and unique chapters, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging experience for students with different learning styles. The text comes with ancillary resources for both instructors and students on a PluralPlus companion website. 

Unique Content

• Disability Across the Lifespan: Comprehensive chapter on the broader context of disability, its history, models, and intersectionalities with race, gender, age, and socioeconomic status. It also discusses ableism, accessibility, and disability rights in the U.S.
• Understanding Research and Evidence-Based Practice: This chapter provides an in-depth look at research methods, types of research, and the importance of evidence-based practice within the field of communication sciences and disorders. 
• Specific Learning Disorders: A dedicated chapter addressing learning disorders and literacy impairments, including reading, writing, and math disorders.
• Content related to Cultural and Linguistic Diversity is woven throughout the text instead of in a dedicated chapter.
• The authors compiled a multitude of additional readings, websites, and videos made easily accessible with QR Codes in the margins. 

Key Features

• Engaging: Complex theories and concepts are presented in an accessible and engaging manner, and figures and illustrations are in full color. 
• Current and Relevant: Integrates the latest research and clinical practices to ensure students are learning the most up-to-date information.
• Practical Application: Emphasizes real-world application of concepts through case studies, clinical examples, and learning activities.
• Interactive Learning: Features learning activities and links to multimedia resources to further enhance understanding and retention.
• Robust Pedagogical Features:
  • Learning Objectives and Key Terms: Chapters begins with a concise list of learning objectives and key terms that outline the key information students should master.
  • Figures, Tables, and Photographs: The full-color art program includes detailed anatomical images, photos, charts, and tables that aid in understanding complex concepts.
  • QR Codes: Websites and videos are easily found by using QR Codes in the margins. 
  • Case Studies: Real-world case studies are integrated to illustrate the application of theoretical concepts in clinical settings. 
  • Clinical Examples: Examples from clinical practice are interwoven throughout the text, providing context and relevance to the material. These examples help students connect theory to practice and understand the real-world significance of their studies.
  • Research Highlights: Sections within each chapter highlight current research and advancements in the field. These highlights emphasize the importance of evidence-based practice.
  • Pause and Ponder Boxes and Discussion Topics: Thought-provoking discussion topics encourage critical thinking and class participation. These topics are designed to stimulate deeper understanding and engagement with the material.
  • Summary Sections: Each chapter concludes with a summary that recaps the key points covered. This helps reinforce learning and provides a quick review for students.
  • Review Questions: At the end of each chapter, review questions encourage students to reflect on and apply what they have learned. These questions reinforce key concepts and provide an opportunity for self-assessment.
  • Annotated Bibliographies: Curated to provide the most relevant and up-to-date sources in the field.
  • A comprehensive Glossary and Index at the end of the book offer quick reference and reinforcement of the key terminology.

PluralPlus Online Ancillary Materials

For instructors: PowerPoint Slides, Test Bank, Videos, Instructional Outlines, Class Activities, Case Studies

For students: Study Quizzes, Study Guides

Reviews

“The themes of cultural considerations, health care disparities and DEI are woven throughout. …The content has a nice balance of milestone research (e.g., Brown’s table, Sander’s consonant development graph) with current research. …The authors’ writing style is very approachable. Most chapter introductions start with a question directed to the reader which is a great hook: “Have you ever been at a football game cheering for year team with such energy that you have lost your voice? Do you know a singer who had to cancel a show because they lost their voice?” 
…The resources included in each chapter allow for an instructor to go deeper into topics depending on circumstances. These resources also give students opportunity to “customize” their learning since each student will have a different set of interests. This is a great book for students to keep as a reference moving into through their undergraduate degrees and into their graduate programs.”
— Susana L. Keller, MS, MBA, CScD, Program Director, MS Speech-Language Pathology, Chair, Communication Sciences & Disorders, DeSales University

“The clear strengths of this book are the additional sections that I have not seen in other introductory textbooks, which include the research in the profession, neurodiversity, historical lens of disability studies, and the appendix on how to read primary sources.”
— An Dinh, PhD, Assistant Professor, Speech-Language Pathology, The University of Toledo

“The chapters are well written and consistent in focus. I like that many of the paragraphs are written in a language that welcomes the reader to continue reading the information. …I feel the book is appropriate for those just beginning to study CSD. …I loved the questions and examples at the end of the chapters. One thing that I have not seen in many intro books is a well-written chapter on research. I was especially enthusiastic to see that the authors included how to read a journal article or how to read research. Chapter 2, understanding the history of disability was a refreshing chapter. There are not many ‘intro’ books that will include this topic.”
— Ruth Renee Hannibal, PhD, CCC-SLP, Associate Professor, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Valdosta State University

“This a book I could create or recreate the intro to CSD course around with well broken up sections that align with a typical school schedule.  …For students getting acclimated to the major, this meets the need of introductory topics to build upon in further classes. …Prelock and Brien do well to credit the spans of knowledge in our profession in a well-organized way that meets the level for an Introduction to CSD class. The chapters fit nicely into a typical semester length to support organized teaching.”
— Nicole Lewis MS, CCC-SLP, Gannon University

“It is much more “101” friendly in its examples, and the way it hooks in these young readers. …I really like the dysphagia chapter as it is very accessible for beginning students.  …The text is very up-to-date, especially for the DEI aspects and inclusion of neurodiversity.”
— Melissa Caserta, MS, CCC-SLP, Instructor/Clinical Educator, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Southeastern Louisiana University

“The content on the history of disability was well written and impactful. …The key takeaways at the end of the chapters along with the definitions and discussion prompts are a nice wrap-up, and will be useful by the instructor for discussion within the class and also for assignment content.”
— Natalie Armstrong, DEd, CCC-SLP, Clinical Instructor, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Pennsylvania Western University

Preface
Acknowledgments
Dedication
Reviewers
Using This Textbook

1.   An Introduction to Communication Disorders and the Professions of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

2.   Disability Across the Lifespan

3.   Understanding Speech and Language Development

4.   Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism

5.   Developmental Speech Sound Disorders

6.   Motor Speech Disorders

7.   Childhood Language Disorders

8.   Specific Learning Disorders and Literacy Impairments

9.   Adult Language and Cognitive Communication Disorders

10.  Fluency Disorders

11.  Voice Disorders

12.  Feeding and Swallowing Disorders

13.  Hearing Disorders and Their Impact on Communication

14.  Augmentative and Alternative Communication

15.  Understanding Research and Evidence-Based Practice
​​​​​​
Glossary
Index