Language Disorders in Children

This course will introduce students to evidence-based practice in child language disorders in the preschool years. Topics to be covered include bilingual language acquisition; characteristics and causes of language delay and disorders in young children; cultural variation in perceptions of 'disorder’ and adult-child interaction with a focus on Maori and Pacific cultures; prevalence and risk factors; early identification; principles of clinical assessment and intervention; and interpreting the evidence for making intervention decisions. Students will gain skills in evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning, and critical thinking.