SPTH2905 Professional Studies & Communication Sciences 1B (Motor Speech Disorders)

Using a series of case studies this topic introduces students to knowledge of the aetiology, nature, prognosis, mechanisms and course of motor speech disorders, including fluency disorders, dysarthria and apraxia of speech. Specific attention will be paid to assessment, diagnosis and treatment. Students will have an opportunity to engage with people directly affected by motor speech disorders and to reflect upon how theoretical perspectives encountered during the in-class work link with the daily lived experiences of people with these disorders.

This topic aims to introduce students to a variety of speech disorders that result from impairment to the motor control systems (including stuttering, dysarthria and apraxia of speech). Students must have an understanding about the conditions that cause motor speech disorders and be able to determine the nature and extent of the speech disorder through perceptual and instrumentation-based diagnosis and analysis. Students will also be introduced to detailed information about appropriate intervention for motor speech disorders.

1. Hypothesise how neuroanatomical structures and physiological processes impact both typical and atypical speech planning, programming, and production
2. Explain the processes involved in the evaluation of Motor Speech Disorders (speech/fluency)
3. Draw on aetiologies and mechanisms to develop a diagnosis and prognosis of Motor Speech Disorders (speech/fluency)
4. Justify a Motor Speech Disorder management plan by incorporating evidence-based compensatory and rehabilitative approaches and applying patient centred care principles and the World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework