COSD 455:Speech-Language Disorders: Intervention Methods and Application
Credit Hours: (3)
Introduction to clinical practice in communication disorders. Emphasis on basic skills,
ethics, and intervention. A minimum of 15 hours of supervised clinical observation
is required.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
1. The purposes of this course are to:
2. Equip the student with basic knowledge regarding methods and application of intervention
of speech-language disorders
3. Inform the student of professional and ethical issues.
4. Provide the knowledge towards meeting the following American Speech-Language-Hearing
Association (ASHA) Knowledge and Skills Acquisition competencies (required for clinical
certification following the attainment of a Master’s degree in an ASHA-accredited
graduate program): III-A; III-C; III-D; III-E; III-F; III-G; IV-B; IV-C; IV-F-3;
IV-G-2; IV-G-3.
Major topics will include
1. Professional Information
a. Code of Ethics
b. Requirements for the Certificate(s) of Clinical Competence
2. Development of critical observation and description skills
3. Cultural Considerations in Intervention and Client Counseling
4. General Management Principles
a. Planning and writing treatment goals & objectives
b. Traditional and naturalistic treatment models
c. Behavioral Management
• Data collection
• Addressing Cultural and Linguistic Differences in Treatment
5. Specific intervention procedures
• Articulation/phonology
• Language
• Fluency
• Voice, alaryngeal speech, and resonance
• Neurologically based communicative disorders
• Alternative/augmentative communication
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
This course emphasizes application of knowledge about normal communication processes
to the treatment of communication disorders. The course is designed to provide the
student with information and experience to facilitate clinical application at the
initial stages of the clinical practicum experience. Tests, projects, and writing
assignments will emphasize case studies, review of professional journal articles and
clinical applications.
Standards for the Certificates of Clinical Competence require that students complete
a minimum of 25 supervised clinical observation hours. Students are to complete fifteen
(15) hours of observation of diagnostic and treatment sessions in the Radford University
Speech And Hearing Clinic, as a requirement for COSD 455.
Goals and Objectives of Course
The goals of COSD 455 are for students to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of
a. professional ethics
b requirements for professional credentials
2. Complete 15 hours of observation of clinical practice
3. Demonstrate an understanding of cultural and linguistic factors to be considered
in management of communicative disorders
4. Demonstrate an understanding of intervention procedures
5. Demonstrate the ability to evaluation, implement, and modify treatment plans
6. Select and write appropriate instructional goals, plan intervention procedures,
and keep data in an accountable manner
7. Structure interaction with clients and families in order to maximize therapeutic
gains
8. Develop a professional writing style for treatment reports
9. Evaluate client motivation, attention, and performance to maximize intervention
Assessment Measures
Student performance will be assessed on a variety of assignments, including reports
of clinical observations; examinations which cover lecture material, readings, and
test analyses; and a final group project and presentation of intervention goals, strategies,
data collection methods, and progress reporting as described in the professional literature.
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
4-85: Updated for - James E. Nicely, semester system (Chairperson)
9-91: Updated for - James E. Nicely, content (Chairperson)
9-01: Updated title & content - Raymond Linville (Chair)
1-03: Course Credit Hour Change - Raymond Linville (Chair)
Minor Change to Course
4-09: Course Credit Hour Reduction (4 hours à 3 hours)
Removal of assessment & prevention content
Claire Waldron, Chair