SLHS 697 - Issues in Speech-Language Pathology

Units: 2
Readings, discussion, and research on contemporary and/or significant issues in speech pathology and audiology. Topics may include autism, traumatic brain injury, early intervention, dementia, head and neck cancer, and cleft palate.

Repeatability: Course may be repeated for credit for a total of 4 units, when content varies.
Possible Instructional Methods: Hybrid.
Grading: A-F grading only.
Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Describe the unique profile of communicative and social interaction strengths and weaknesses of students with ASDs
Contrast the profile of a student with ASD from that of children with other developmental disabilities
Describe meaningful methods for early identification and for assessment of communication and social skills in students with ASD as a member of an interdisciplinary team that includes family members.
Critically review an intervention approach based on its strengths and weaknesses and value to children with ASDs and their families; present intervention approaches in a clear manner for team members and families.
Write and evaluate appropriate communication and social goals that are functional, developed in partnership with the family, teacher and student (if appropriate), reflect communication demands in a natural environment and are based on an ecological assessment.
Design and organize events, routines and learning environments to target high priority communication and social goals for students with autism by defining the components, natural cues/prompts, skills/sequence of steps and adaptations within academic curriculum and typical daily activities
Design visual instructional or augmentative alternative communication (AAC) strategies to address a specific problem situation or support teaching of a communication skill.