Acquired Speech Disorders: Analysis and Intervention

Course code HCS6046
(15 credits)

Off

This module offers a study of the nature of acquired speech disorders, in particular acquired dysarthria (a motor speech disorder) and acquired dyspraxia (a motor coordination disorder) and their impact on communication.

It draws on a range of analytic perspectives including neurophysiological, communicative, psychosocial, and socio-interactional perspectives in order to examine how these acquired neurological disorders arise, present themselves and impact on everyday communication and interaction and the person’s relationships and sense of self.

It also focuses on current research into clinical intervention for clients with these conditions. The usefulness and clinical utility of different analysis, assessment and intervention approaches are discussed and evaluated by applying critical analysis skills to the different approaches. Students will gain knowledge of current research into both theoretical aspects of acquired speech disorders and the latest developments in clinical assessment and intervention.

Suitable for

Speech and language therapists and other professionals with an interest in people with acquired speech, and communication difficulties.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

Knowledge of current research into speech disorders associated with disorders such of immediate onset such as stroke and degenerating conditions such as motor neurone disease
Understanding of neurophysiological/impairment-focused and functional-focused approaches to the diagnosis, assessment and analysis of acquired speech
Theoretical understanding of how these different approaches can be used as the basis for planning, implementing and evaluating intervention for acquired speech disorders

Teaching Methods

The module content is delivered online and includes guided independent study, using online reading material available from the University Library. Students are supported by University tutors via online discussion boards and email.

Online learning will be supplemented by an optional 2-day study block in Sheffield.

Timetable

The module starts in February of each year. The module runs over a period of 12 weeks, and this 15 credit module should take about 150 hours to complete (including preparation for the assignment). See timetable for the year.

Assessment

A 3,000-word assignment.