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UCL Psychology and Language Sciences

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Management of Communication Disorders 4: Speech, Swallowing and Voice

Module Aims

• To develop knowledge and understanding of the range and nature of structural & neuromuscular disorders of motor speech, swallowing and voice across the lifespan.

• To enable comprehensive description of dysarthria, dysphagia and dysphonia, together with those disorders arising from structural changes to the vocal tract.

• To enable accurate differential diagnosis between and within the disorders known as dysarthria, dysphagia, and dysphonia together with those disorders arising from structural changes to the vocal tract.

• To enable integration with, and application of, knowledge from other modules, particularly: Brain, Mind & Health, Management of Communication Disorders 2: Speech & Hearing, Management of Communication Disorders 3: Language and Cognition (acquired), Phonetics & Phonology, and Professional Studies 1 & 2.

• To develop understanding of collaborative working with clients, carers, professionals and other agencies relevant to vocal tract disorders.

• To develop an appreciation of the functional and psychosocial impact of these disorders.

• To develop a critical appreciation of the evidence base relating to structural & neuromuscular disorders of speech, swallowing, and voice. 

Module Contents

This module covers dysarthria, dysphagia and dysphonia as well as problems associated with craniofacial conditions and vocal tract tumours. Management of these conditions requires reference to neurological, structural, behavioural and emotional issues and the addition of a developmental perspective where relevant. Many management principles and methods stem from a common knowledge base. By studying these presenting conditions together, students are encouraged to consider this overlap.

Assessment

Written assignment 60%

Written examination 40%