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Unit of study_
CSCD5061: Speech 1: Developmental Disorders
2026 unit information
This unit aims to provide students with the theoretical background to speech development and impairment in children. The nature of speech impairments in children; techniques for assessment, analysis and intervention or service response are considered using a case based approach to learning.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Medicine and Health
| Study level | Postgraduate |
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| Academic unit | Communication Sciences |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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Phonemic transcription of Australian English; and, normal head and neck anatomy |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Demonstrate skills in speech assessment and analysis including: transcribe typical and disordered speech; conduct and interpret an oral musculature assessment; administer and interpret speech samples (single-words and connected speech); formulate relevant case history interviews and understand answers provided; determine speech inventory, phonological processes and constraints.
- LO2. Differentially diagnose paediatric speech sound disorders using diverse sources of information and clearly and concisely explain your reasoning to a range of audiences.
- LO3. Exercise critical judgement and problem solving to plan and evaluate treatment including data collection for phonological, motor speech and articulation impairments, ensuring child and carer participation in planning and evaluating treatment, and identify solutions for managing complexities such as failure to progress in therapy or complex goal setting.
- LO4. Use rigorous independent thinking when evaluating published literature on speech acquisition, disorder aetiology, assessment, analysis, diagnosis and intervention and understand evidence-based practice in relation to paediatric speech disorders, balancing the evidence from the literature, clinician skills and data, and clients’ informed decisions (E4BP), incorporating the ICF into decision making.
- LO5. In relation to speech sound disorders, demonstrate ethical standards and professional integrity including informed consent and child assent, privacy, and child protection and accommodate personal, cultural, and linguistic difference in clinical decision making, communication and support of people from diverse backgrounds and circumstances; acknowledge personal responsibility for value judgements and ethical behaviour.
- LO6. Effectively and professionally communicate with a range of audiences, both orally and in writing, about the management of a child or children with speech sound disorders
Unit availability
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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