COURSE DESCRIPTION. This course introduces communication and language development and its disorders. Typical communication development is discussed and an overview speech and language disorders are discussed. Assessment and intervention procedures for the development of speech and language skills in children and youth in the classroom setting are overviewed.

GOAL. To gain understanding on the importance and impact of language skills in the learning process and how the first year of life is critical for the development of other skills.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES. (1) Identify and describe the differences between speech, language, and communication; (2) identify and describe the theories of communication development; (3) outline and describe the stages of communication development; (4) outline and describe the difference between typical and atypical communication development; and (5) outline and describe how communication disorders will have an impact on the child’s literacy skills.