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Unit outline_

CSCD5060: Language 1: Developmental Disorder

Semester 1, 2022 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit introduces students to spoken language disorders from birth to the end of preschool. The nature of child developmental language disorders together with principles and practices for assessment, diagnosis, management planning and treatment are covered for the following paediatric clinical populations: pre-linguistic infants, toddlers and preschoolers.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Communication Sciences
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

An understanding of basic linguistics including traditional grammatical analysis

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Veronica Park, veronica.park@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Cultural competence online module 1: Journey of Self Discovery
Completion of Cultural competency module 1 - anytime prior to end Week 16
0% Formal exam period ~20 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO3
Assignment Child Language Therapy Session Plan
Case Study and written task
40% Formal exam period 1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Assignment group assignment Child language assessment plan part B: assessment plan
Case study and written task
40% Please select a valid week from the list below 6 pages, not incl references
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Tutorial quiz Child development multiple-choice quiz
Online quiz to complete in Canvas: 10 Multiple-choice questions
10% Please select a valid week from the list below 30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2
Tutorial quiz hurdle task Grammar test
Competency assessment
0% Week 01 30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1
Assignment Child language assessment plan part A: individual reflection
Reflective essay
10% Week 08 200 words
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO7 LO6 LO5
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Grammar test: Students need to be competent in their analysis of syntax to engage in clinical practice units of study. There is an allocation of 25 marks, for each analysis element in error 0.5 of a mark will be deducted. You must complete this assessment tasks to pass the entire unit. Failure to complete this assessment item will result in you being awarded a Fail grade, regardless of your cumulative marks in the unit of study.
  • Child development quiz: Child Development Quiz to complete in Canvas: 10 multiple-choice questions.
  • Child language assessment plan part A: Students should reflect upon their contribution to the assessment plan, evaluate their role within the group and group dynamics, and submit an individual reflective statement.
  • Child language assessment plan part B: A child language case and an assessment plan template will be available via Canvas in week 2. In your small group of 3-4 students, you will be required to develop an assessment plan for the provided case. Based on evidence-based practice, your assignment must justify the selected clinical procedures in your assessment plan as they relate to the child’s language/communication status, his/her cultural and social practices and family-centred practice.
  • Child language session plan: Speech Pathologists are required to interpret all assessment information, and use clinical and theoretical knowledge to decide on the most suitable intervention. For this assignment, you are required to integrate all information on a provided case and develop a first session plan for them.
  • Cultural competence online module 1: Students need to complete The University of Sydney’s online cultural competence online module 1: Journey of Self-discovery. 
Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week -01 Grammar Essentials (Bootcamp) Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)  
Week -02 Grammar Essentials (Bootcamp) Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)  
Week 02 Overview of unit and normal development Lecture (2 hr)  
Applying the norms of development to real clinical cases Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 03 An introduction to developmental language disorder (DLD) Lecture (2 hr)  
Aetiology and nature of DLD Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 04 Assessment principles Lecture (2 hr)  
Planning an assessment Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 05 Assessment in pre-linguistic stage, family centred practice (FCP) and early intervention (EI) Lecture (2 hr)  
FCP in practice Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 06 Assessment in pre-linguistic stage and emerging language stage Lecture (2 hr)  
Exploring assessment at pre-linguistic and emerging language stage with clinical cases Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 07 Assessment in developing language stage 1 Lecture (2 hr)  
Exploring assessment and analysis at developing language stage with clinical cases Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 09 Assessment in developing language stage 2 Lecture (2 hr)  
Exploring assessment and analysis at developing language stage with clinical cases Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 10 Intervention principles Lecture (2 hr)  
Planning intervention Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 11 Language intervention techniques Lecture (2 hr)  
Language intervention techniques Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 12 Language intervention models Lecture (2 hr)  
Language intervention planning Tutorial (1 hr)  
Week 13 Pre-literacy intervention Lecture (2 hr)  
Working on pre-literacy Tutorial (1 hr)  

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to attend all timetabled learning activities (hybrid, online). Please do not schedule clinic activities during these times.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available on Canvas, including e-version of the recommended text:

  • Paul, R, Norbury, C. and Gosse, C. (2017) Language Disorders: From infancy through adolescence (5th Ed) Mosby; NY.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Depth of disciplinary expertise 1.1 Demonstrate competence in analysis of syntax/grammar 1.2 Consolidate knowledge of normal human communication development and developmental theories. 1.3 Apply knowledge of communication development, developmental theories and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health to the clinical assessment and management of children 0-5 years old. 1.4 Describe the possible impacts of language delays and disorders on 0-5 year old children’s normal life routines and readiness for school. 1.5 Demonstrate an understanding of standardised and non-standardised assessment techniques and analysis tools to assess and interpret communication skills. 1.6 Develop theoretical and clinical knowledge relating to management and treatment of spoken language disorders with an emphasis on the preverbal to preschool stages of development.
  • LO2. Broader skills (a) Communication (oral and written) 2.1 Develop assessment plans for the systematic evaluation and diagnosis of children functioning 0-5 years with suspected language disorder or delay using professional written English 2.2 Develop and write using professional written English management plans relating to management and treatment of spoken language disorders with an emphasis on the preverbal to preschool stages of development. 2.3 Describe health information orally and in writing (what DLD is, in addition to the prevalence, impact, potential outcomes, risk and protective factors associated with DLD) in lay terms for parents, in addition to other health and education professionals. 2.4 Demonstrate the ability to communicate with preschool children with DLD, through suitable play-based activities and appropriate verbal therapeutic dialogue using appropriate English. (b) Critical thinking and problem solving 2.4 Select and justify clinical procedures (e.g. assessments, goal setting, intervention) related to the child’s language/communication status, his/her cultural and social practices, family centred practice and evidence-based practice. 2.5 Exercise critical judgement in the interpretation of assessment results including selecting appropriate norms and health information considering normal communication development, determining gaps in information and integrating information from a range of sources. (c) Information/ digital literacy 2.6 Use information technology to locate peer reviewed research evidence; locate and create clinical resources for children with DLD; and interact with public awareness resources about DLD (e.g., RADLD, twitter). (d) Inventiveness 2.7 Create innovative, engaging and culturally appropriate clinical resources for children with DLD.
  • LO3. Cultural competence 3.1 Learn about yourself as a cultural being, and how you relate to the world around you (Cultural Competence Online Module 1). 3.2 Demonstrate knowledge of the recommended best practices for the provision of culturally competent and safe services to multilingual children with DLD. 3.2 Demonstrate awareness of cultural and linguistic difference in communication development in cultures relevant to the Australian context and differentiate this from DLD.
  • LO4. Interdisciplinary effectiveness 4.1 List the health and education professionals that may be involved in working with children with DLD. 4.2 Outline the issues, importance and impact of early brain development, screening, intervention and family centred practice on children with DLD within a broader community of practice.
  • LO5. An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity 5.1 Operate effectively and ethically as a team member for teaching/learning activities and assessment tasks. 5.2 Learn to identify yourself as a speech pathologist when working in a variety of contexts including schools, clinics, teams with multiple disciplines, and other community contexts.
  • LO6. Influence 6.1 List professional bodies, organisations (e.g. RADLD), and community activities through which SLPs can enhance public awareness of DLD in children, the prevalence and impact of SSD, and value of SLP intervention for young children.
  • LO7. Leadership 7.1 Demonstrates the capacity to play a range of roles within a team including being a leader, and a valuable member of a team

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9
LO1         
LO2         
LO3         
LO4         
LO5         
LO6         
LO7         
Competency-based Occupational Standards for Speech Pathologists -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.1 A Investigate and document the client’s communication and/or swallowing condition and explore the primary concerns of the client.
1.2 A Identify the communication and/or swallowing conditions requiring investigation and use the best available scientific and clinical evidence to determine the most suitable assessment procedures in partnership with the client.
2.1 A Analyse and interpret speech pathology assessment data.
2.2 A Identify gaps in information required to understand the client’s communication and swallowing issues and seek information to fill those gaps.
3.1 A Use integrated and interpreted information (outlined in Unit 2) relevant to the communication and/or swallowing condition, and/or the service provider’s policies and priorities to plan evidence-based speech pathology practice.
3.2 A Seek additional information required to plan evidence-based speech pathology practice.
5.3 A Manage own provision of speech pathology services and workload.
5.6 A Adhere to professionally accepted scientific principles in work practices.
6.1 A Develop, contribute to, and maintain professional and team based relationships in practice contexts.
7.1 A Uphold the Speech Pathology Australia Code of Ethics and work within all the relevant legislation and legal constraints, including medico-legal responsibilities.
7.4 A Advocate for self, client and the speech pathology profession.
National Standard of Competency for Architects -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
2.1 A Identification, analysis and integration of information relevant to siting of project.

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Feedback from 2020 has been integrated into this Unit.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.