This course will discuss the speech and swallowing disorders that are commonly associated with various childhood conditions, including cleft palate and other craniofacial anomalies, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, and developmental apraxia of speech.

Course Outcomes

1. Demonstrate and apply an understanding of normal development of oral motor skills as they relate to speech production, feeding, and swallowing (ASHA III-B)
2. Demonstrate and apply an understanding of the anatomic and physiologic changes that result from various childhood conditions (ASHA III-C):

• cleft lip and/or palate
• cerebral palsy
• down syndrome
• developmental apraxia of speech
• other pediatric organic disorders

3. Demonstrate and apply an understanding the impact of these conditions on communication and feeding/swallowing performance (ASHA III-C)
4. Demonstrate and apply an understanding of assessment of communication and feeding/swallowing performance of children with these conditions (ASHA III -D)
5. Demonstrate and apply an understanding of management of communication and feeding/swallowing limitations of children with these conditions (ASHA III -D)
6. Demonstrate and apply an understanding of community and other resources for persons with these conditions and their families and caregivers (ASHA III-D, III-E, III-G)
7. Demonstrate the ability to identify, understand, and apply relevant literature for the purposes of evidence-based practice (ASHA III-F)
8. Describe the current state of the profession with respect to necessary knowledge and skills for the delivery of services to children with communication/swallowing disorders and their families, as well as opportunities for specialty recognition in this area (ASHA III-E, III-H)

Course Format

To best facilitate critical reflection of course material as well as practical application, this course will emphasize pre-class preparation, student presentations, and thoughtful discussion.

Text

Hall, K. D. (2001). Pediatric dysphagia: Resource guide. San Diego: Singular Thomson Learning.
Many additional readings will be available on the course web site and through reserves.

Course Requirements

1. Participation. All seminar participants will be expected to contribute to the community of practice. At midterm and at end of the term, participants will evaluate the contributions of each participant. Details (50 pts) (Outcomes 1 - 8)

2. Group Presentation. In small groups, students will be responsible for presenting to the class information regarding specific etiologies leading to communication/swallowing impairments in children. Details (100 pts) (Outcomes 3 - 7)

3. Exams. A midterm and final exam will be administered. (100 pts each) of the final grade. (Outcomes 1 - 8)

Tentative Course Outline