The purpose of this module is to provide students with foundational knowledge of commonly occurring neurogenic speech, language and communication needs in adulthood which is a core area of practice for speech and language therapists. The module also aims to introduce students to theories, concepts, and analytical frameworks to guide assessment and treatment planning in relation to these needs

This module introduces students to commonly occurring neurogenic speech, language and communication needs. Content includes: Differential diagnosis of a range of neurogenic speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN) in adulthood (including aphasia, motor speech disorders, cognitive-communication disorders, right hemisphere language disorders secondary to a range of aetiologies, including acquired brain injury, dementia, other progressive conditions); Biopsychosocial models of disability; Assessment, goal setting and management planning (including implications of progressive conditions for treatment planning); Education and advocacy roles for people with speech, language and communication needs; Integrate information to inform clinical decisions (including client data, theory and evidence-base, condition-specific knowledge, policy, and service delivery context), and; Factors to be considered in developing holistic, person-centred, evidence-based assessment and management plans for different profiles of neurogenic speech, language and communication needs in adulthood (e.g. genetic, linguistic, environmental, bio-psychosocial, cultural, educational).

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Explain how language and communication process theories and frameworks inform assessment and therapeutic approaches when working with adults with neurogenic speech, language and communication needs. Interpret case data to differentially diagnose different profiles of neurogenic speech, language and communication needs in adulthood. Integrate knowledge from a broad range of information sources to inform holistic management plans that are underpinned by principles of person-centred care and evidence-based practice. Justify staging, tailoring and measurement of management outcomes in response to changing needs and preferences of adults with neurogenic speech, language and communication needs.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Value personhood, autonomy and person-centred care when developing goals and planning management plans. Challenge own assumptions and preconceptions about the lived experience of adults with neurogenic speech, language, and communication needs.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

This module is delivered in a structured and interactive format. Students attend a mixture of lectures and tutorials and engage in private study and with online learning resources. The graduate attributes of curiosity, articulation, and agility are developed through opportunities for problem-based group learning using clinical cases, peer-to-peer discussion, and self-directed learning through web-based content including professional guidelines, contemporary international and national policies, texts and further learning resources, all updated yearly to reflect recent research and developments in this area.