Communication Sciences and Disorders Across the Lifespan

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.

Patricia A. Prelock, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL, F-ASHA, FNAP-SLP, is the Interim President, University of Vermont. Formerly, she was Provost and Senior Vice President for 5 years, and the Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at the University of Vermont for 10 years. She is also a Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders, and Professor of Pediatrics in the College of Medicine at the University of Vermont. Dr. Prelock received her PhD in speech-language pathology from the University of Pittsburgh. She is a recognized expert in the nature and treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and has been awarded nearly $25 million dollars in university, state, and federal funding as a PI or Co-PI to develop innovations in interdisciplinary training supporting children and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families, to facilitate training in speech-language pathology, and to support her intervention work in ASD. She has over 220 publications including 20 books and 598 peer-reviewed and invited presentations/keynotes in the areas of autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities, collaboration, IPE, leadership, and language learning disabilities. In 2019, she was named Associate Editor for the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. Dr. Prelock received the University of Vermont’s Kroepsch-Maurice Excellence in Teaching Award in 2000, was named an ASHA Fellow in 2000, and a University of Vermont Scholar in 2003. Dr. Prelock was named a Distinguished Alumna of the University of Pittsburgh. In 2016, she received the ASHA Honors of the Association and in 2017 she was named a Distinguished Alumna of Cardinal Mooney High School. Dr. Prelock also received the 2018 Jackie M. Gribbons Leadership Award from Vermont Women in Higher Education. Dr. Prelock is a Board-Certified Specialist in Child Language and was named a Fellow in the National Academies of Practice (NAP) in speech-language pathology in 2018. She was the 2013 President for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and was President of the ASHFoundation in 2020 and 2021.

Ashley Brien, PhD, CCC-SLP, is an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist. She received her MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders and her PhD in Interprofessional Health Sciences from the University of Vermont. She has instructed many courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels in the areas of autism, social cognition, augmentative and alternative communication, disability, and research methods. Additionally, she provides intervention in speech, language, AAC, and social communication to children and adolescents and their families. Dr. Brien’s research focuses on the development, implementation, and social validity of family-centered interventions to support social learning and episodic memory in individuals with autism. She has also designed intervention materials to support social cognition and communication in a variety of populations with social learning challenges. She has written about her work in several peer-reviewed articles and presented her findings nationally and internationally. She is also co-author of the book Supporting Social Learning in Autism: An Autobiographical Memory Program to Promote Communication and Connection.