INTRO: A Guide to Communication Sciences and Disorders

Fourth Edition

Michael P. Robb

Details: 420 pages, Full Color, Softcover, 8.5" x 11"

ISBN13: 978-1-63550-476-7

© 2025 | Coming Soon

Release Date: 02/01/2024

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Available for purchase starting 01/01/2024

Print Book: $139.95
eBook: $139.95

With its engaging color layout and easy to read writing style, INTRO: A Guide to Communication Sciences and Disorders, Fourth Edition is designed for undergraduate students with an interest in entering the field of communication sciences and disorders. INTRO is an introduction to the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology and the underlying discipline on which they are based, communication sciences and disorders. The text provides essential information concerning a wide range of communication disorders found in children and adults.

The structure of the book is consistent across chapters to assist beginning students in grasping new vocabulary and concepts. An introduction to each of the various disorders includes some of the fascinating historical background surrounding each disorder, as well as current theories. A portion of each chapter is dedicated to diverse and cultural aspects of communication disorders, as well as prevalence information about various communication disorders as found in English-speaking countries around the world, including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and New Zealand.

New to the Fourth Edition

  • New chapters:
    • A new chapter on autism spectrum disorder
    • The original chapter covering neurogenic communication disorders has been divided into separate chapters on neurogenic language disorders and motor speech disorders

Key Features

  • Solo-authorship ensures a cohesive writing style throughout the book
  • A strong international focus
  • Each chapter begins with learning objectives and ends with study questions to review key concepts.
  • Bolded key terms and a comprehensive glossary improve retention of the material.
  • The text includes real-life examples in the form of video links to help reinforce the information in the text.
  • Each chapter provides a focus on “past and present”
  • FYI  boxes call out interesting and novel information

PluralPlus Online Ancillary Materials

  • For instructors: PowerPoint Slides, Test Bank, Class Activities
  • For students: Practice Quizzes, eFlashcards, and Additional Web Resources

Foreword to the First Edition by John H. Saxman, PhD
Preface

Reviewers

Section 1. Background to Communication Sciences and Disorders

Chapter 1. Communication Disorders and the Professions
Objectives   
Introduction   
Terminology and Definitions   
Models of Communication   
The Professions   
A Brief History of the Professions   
Educational Preparation   
Professional Work Settings   
Professional Code of Ethics   
Cultural Considerations and Communication Disorders
Summery of Chapter
The Professions of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology on the World Wide Web   
Study Questions   
References   
Appendix 1–A. ASHA Code of Ethics (2023)

Chapter 2. Anatomy of Speech and Hearing
Objectives   
Introduction   
Speech Anatomy   
The Process of Speech Production   
Hearing Anatomy   
The Process of Hearing   
Historic Aspects of Anatomy and Physiology   
Cultural Considerations in Anatomy and Physiology   
Summary of Chapter   
Anatomy and Physiology on the World Wide Web   
Study Questions   
References

Section 2. Developmental Communication Disorders

Chapter 3. Child Language Disorders
Objectives   
Introduction   
Terminology and Definitions   
Language Development   
Historic Aspects of Child Language Disorders   
Characteristics of Child Language Disorders   
Current Theories Regarding Child Language Development and Disorders   
Assessment of Child Language Disorders   
Treatment of Child Language Disorders   
Cultural Considerations and Child Language Disorders   
Summary of Chapter   
Child Language Disorders on the World Wide Web   
Study Questions   
References

Chapter 4. Child Speech Sound Disorders
Objectives   
Introduction   
Terminology and Definitions   
Historic Aspects of Child Speech Sound Disorders   
Characteristics of Speech Sound Disorders   
Current Theories Regarding Child Speech Sound Disorders   
Assessment of Child Speech Sound Disorders   
Treatment of Child Speech Sound Disorders   
Cultural Consideration and Child Speech Sound Disorders   
Summary of Chapter   
Child Speech Sound Disorders on the World Wide Web   
Study Questions   
References

Chapter 5. Fluency Disorders
Objectives   
Introduction  
Terminology and Definitions  
Historic Aspects of Fluency Disorders  
Characteristics of Fluency Disorders  
Current Theories Regarding Stuttering  
Assessment of Fluency Disorders  
Treatment of Fluency Disorders  
Cultural Considerations and Fluency Disorders  
Summary of Chapter   
Fluency Disorders on the World Wide Web  
Study Questions  
References

Chapter 6. Cleft Lip and Palate
Objectives  
Introduction  
Terminology and Definitions  
Historic Aspects of Cleft Lip and Palate  
Characteristics of Cleft Lip and Palate  
Current Theories of Cleft Lip and Palate  
Assessment of Cleft Lip and Palate  
Treatment of Cleft Lip and Palate  
Cultural Considerations and Cleft Lip and Palate   
Summary of Chapter   
Cleft Lip and Palate on the World Wide Web  
Study Questions  
References

Chapter 7. Autism Spectrum Disorder
Objectives  
Introduction  
Terminology and Definitions  
Historic Aspects of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Current Theories of Autism Spectrum Disorder  
Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder  
Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder 
Cultural Considerations and Autism Spectrum Disorder  
Summary of Chapter   
Autism Spectrum Disorder on the World Wide Web  
Study Questions  
References

Section 3. Acquired and Genetic Communication Disorders

Chapter 8. Voice Disorders
Objectives   
Introduction  
Terminology and Definitions  
Historic Aspects of Voice Disorders  
Characteristics of Voice Disorders  
Current Theories of Voice Disorders  
Assessment of Voice Disorders  
Treatment of Voice Disorders  
Cultural Considerations and Voice Disorders  
Summary of Chapter   
Voice Disorders on the World Wide Web  
Study Questions  
References

Chapter 9. Neurogenic Language Disorders
Objectives   
Introduction  
Terminology and Definitions  
Historic Aspects of Neurogenic Language Disorders  
Characteristics of Neurogenic Language Disorders  
Current Theories Regarding Neurogenic Language Disorders  
Assessment of Neurogenic Language Disorders  
Treatment of Neurogenic Language Disorders  
Cultural Considerations and Neurogenic Language Disorders  
Summary of Chapter   
Neurogenic Language Disorders on the World Wide Web  
Study Questions  
References

Chapter 10. Motor Speech Disorders
Objectives   
Introduction  
Terminology and Definitions  
Historic Aspects of Motor Speech Disorders   
Characteristics of Motor Speech Disorders   
Current Theories Regarding Motor Speech Disorders   
Assessment of Motor Speech Disorders   
Treatment of Motor Speech Disorders   
Cultural Considerations and Motor Speech Disorders   
Summary of Chapter   
Motor Speech Disorders on the World Wide Web  
Study Questions  
References

Chapter 11. Dysphagia
Objectives  
Introduction  
Terminology and Definitions  
Historic Aspects of Dysphagia  
Characteristics of Dysphagia  
Causes of Dysphagia  
Assessment of Dysphagia  
Treatment of Dysphagia  
Cultural Considerations and Dysphagia  
Summary of Chapter   
Dysphagia on the World Wide Web  
Study Questions  
References

Chapter 12. Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Objectives  
Introduction  
Terminology and Definitions  
Historic Aspects of AAC  
Characteristics of AAC  
Assessment of AAC  
Treatment of AAC  
Cultural Considerations and AAC  
Summary of Chapter   
AAC on the World Wide Web  
Study Questions  
References

Chapter 13. Genetics and Syndromes
Objectives   
Introduction  
Terminology and Definitions  
Historic Aspects of Genetics  
Characteristics of Syndromes  
Assessment of Genetic Conditions  
Treatment of Genetic Conditions  
Cultural Considerations and Genetics  
Summary of Chapter   
Genetics and Syndromes on the World Wide Web  
Study Questions  
References

Section 4. Audition

Chapter 14. Hearing Disorders
Objectives   
Introduction  
Terminology and Definitions  
Historic Aspects of Hearing Disorders  
Characteristics of Hearing Disorders  
Assessment of Hearing Disorders  
Cultural Considerations and Hearing Disorders  
Summary of Chapter    
Hearing Disorders on the World Wide Web  
Study Questions  
References

Chapter 15. Auditory Rehabilitation
Objectives
Introduction
Terminology and Definitions
Historic Aspects of Aural Rehabilitation
Treatment Approaches: Hearing Rehabilitation
Treatment Approaches: Speech and Language Rehabilitation
Cultural Considerations and Aural Rehabilitation
Summary of Chapter   
Aural Rehabilitation on the World Wide Web
Study Questions
References

Glossary
Index

Michael P. Robb

Michael P. Robb, PhD, received his BS degree in speech pathology and audiology from Western Michigan University, and MS and PhD degrees in speech-language pathology from Syracuse University (New York). He has worked as a speech-language pathologist at the Meyer Children's Rehabilitation Institute in Omaha, Nebraska (now known as the Munroe-Meyer Institute for Genetics and Rehabilitation). Since obtaining his PhD, he has held faculty posts at the University of Hawaii, the University of Connecticut, the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, and most recently at the Pennsylvania State University. His specialty is experimental phonetics, with particular interest in aspects of speech motor control related to early speech acquisition, stuttering, and English as a Second Language. Professor Robb has been an active researcher since 1985. Over his career, he has presented more than 100 conference papers and published over 100 refereed journal articles. He holds the Certificate of Clinical Competency in speech-language pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and was recognised as an ASHA Fellow in 2009. He is a member of the New Zealand Speech-Language Therapists Association (NZSTA) and served on the NZSTA Executive Board. He is the editor-in-chief of the Folia Phoniatrica et Logopaedica, which is the official publication of the International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics. Professor Robb has been recognized for his teaching excellence and has taught Intro throughout his career to students in the United States and New Zealand.

Learn More

INTRO: A Guide to Communication Sciences and Disorders, Fourth Edition comes with access to supplementary student and instructor resources on a PluralPlus companion website.

The companion website is located at: https://www.pluralpublishing.com/publication/iagcsd4e

STUDENTS:

The student resources include Practice Quizzes, eFlashcards, and Additional Web Resources.

To access the student resources, you must register on the companion website and log in using the access code located in the front of your textbook.

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The instructor resources include PowerPoint Slides, Test Bank, and Class Activities. You will also have access to all of the student resources listed above.

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*Note for students: If you have purchased this textbook used or have rented it, your access code will not work if it was already redeemed by the original buyer of the book. Plural Publishing does not offer replacement access codes for used or rented textbooks.

INTRO A Guide to Communication Sciences and Disorders

Third Edition

Michael P. Robb

Details: 374 pages, Full Color, Softcover, 8.5" x 11"

ISBN13: 978-1-94488-366-9

© 2020 | Available

Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders: The Scientific Basis of Clinical Practice

First Edition

Gary Weismer, David K. Brown

Details: 388 pages, Full Color, Softcover, 8.5"x11"

ISBN13: 978-1-59756-297-3

© 2021 | Available

The Communication Disorders Casebook: Learning by Example

Second Edition

Shelly S. Chabon, Ellen R. Cohn, Dorian Lee-Wilkerson

Details: 563 pages, B&W, Softcover, 8.5" x 11"

ISBN13: 978-1-63550-409-5

© 2025 | Available