S413 – Communication and Language Delays and Disabilities
This course will focus on typical and atypical communication and language development in children from birth through age five with or at risk for disabilities. Topics will include early language development, origins and characteristics of atypical language development, and the relationship between communication/language delays and early learning and development across domains. Specific language disabilities and atypical language development related to disabilities such as autism and Down syndrome will also be discussed. Students will explore methods of identifying and addressing communication and language delays through total communication including assistive technology and alternative communication systems. The role of families and importance of family-professional partnerships in enhancing language development will be emphasized.