Introduction to Communication Disorders: A Life Span Perspective (2nd Edition) [Paperback]

Robert E. Owens (Author), Dale Evan Metz (Author), Adelaide Haas (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0205360122 | ISBN-13: 978-0205360123 | Publication Date: August 29, 2002 | Edition: 2

Introduction to Communication Disorders: A Life Span Perspective, Second Edition, is a comprehensive overview of the fields of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology written in an interesting and highly readable manner. This text catalogs and discusses each disorder with an emphasis on how the disorder impacts the individual. It serves as a foundation by providing many viewpoints for the introductory student, offering personal stories from people with communication disorders, and examining the field from a life span perspective. In addition, the best models of good practice and approaches for assessment and intervention are discussed based on the authors' own clinical experiences. Each chapter describes a specific disorder, related assessment and applicable intervention methods. Each disorder is also illustrated by the personal story of an individual with that disorder. More than merely a catalog, Introduction to Communication Disorders brings students into the daily lives of individuals who suffer from a disorder.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Introduction to Communication Disorders: A Lifespan Perspective presents an informative overview of the fields of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology in an interesting and highly readable manner. This book provides a solid foundation for future study by providing many viewpoints for the introductory reader, offering personal stories of people with communication disorders, and examining the field from a lifespan perspective. In addition, the best models of good practice and approaches for assessment and intervention are discussed based on the authors' own clinical experience.

Each chapter describes a specific disorder and related assessment and intervention methods. Each disorder is also illustrated by the personal story of an individual with that disorder. Reader interest and thought are stimulated by thought questions placed throughout each chapter and by margin notes that highlight important information. The suggested readings and Internet locations provided at the conclusion of each chapter provide additional avenues by which readers can gain further knowledge. Unlike any other text currently available, Introduction to Communication Disorders features an accompanying CD-ROM, a learning device and study tool, which presents many of the disorders you'll read about in sound and video format. In addition, self-study questions follow the outline of each chapter and highlight important information.

For anyone interested in communication disorders. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 550 pages
• Publisher: Allyn & Bacon; 2 edition (August 29, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0205360122
• ISBN-13: 978-0205360123
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,028,849 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars It is an Intro book..., September 16, 2008

By 

Kali Zyre "kalizyre" - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Introduction to Communication Disorders: A Lifespan Perspective (3rd Edition) (Paperback)

This really is an intro book. It throws a lot of terminology at you, barely scratches the surface on topics and doesn't get into much detail. It's pretty average.

The cd-rom with the book is about worthless, ironically the sound quality of the clips is poor, leaving you to wonder if you have a hearing problem of your own!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A book with good intentions that misses the mark completely, April 21, 2008

By 

H. Gienow "Disappointed student" (Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Introduction to Communication Disorders: A Life Span Perspective (2nd Edition) (Paperback)

"Introduction to Communication Disorders" is a feeble book rife with inaccuracies. It attempts to take a relateable and emotional approach to sensitive subject matter and comes off as a biased and unacademic mess.

The information contained in the book often appears as if its the author's own interpretation off the top of their head. For example, in the chapter on augmentative communication, the author attempts to discern the origin of the sign for the concept "America" or the "United States". The author's hypothesis (and they make no attempt to disguise that it is purely their hypothesis) is that the derivation of the sign deals with fence-building and the European explorers' response to the vast lumber in the United States upon arrival in the Americas. Had the author bothered to consult a Deaf linguist, or any member of the Deaf community for that matter, they would have found that the sign represents the union of the states. Had they bothered to consult a history textbook for that matter, the author's would have found that European explorers arriving in North America were not particularly active in the lumber trade or fence-building at the outset of settlement. Their justification for the origin of this sign is a misinformed and unnecessary speculation on the part of the authors.

Instances such as the ones listed above are not uncommon. The book presumes things about the affected individuals that it discusses, often coming off as insensitive, belittling, and lacking in appreciation and understanding for individuals with Communication Disorders. It also presents biases on the author's opinions as to the best approaches for treatments and tends to generalize the needs of the client. When used to teach a university course, it makes for an ineffective tool, both because of the information it contains and the approach it takes to presenting it. The "thought-provoking" boxes every few pages or so that have the student ponder the material they have just learned are reminiscent of something found on "Bill Nye the Science Guy". They seem better suited for young children incapable of understanding the material on any other level.

All in all I found this book very ineffective, insulting, somewhat discriminatory and downright discombobulated. I don't know where the author's got their information, but it certainly wasn't of any use to me as a student.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I liked this book.., October 10, 2008

By 

Deborah "Queen of Hearts" - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Introduction to Communication Disorders: A Lifespan Perspective (3rd Edition) (Paperback)

I took a class at college about communication disorders and the professor used this book. I didn't pick up on any bias or negativity like the previous raters stated. I haven't read the whole book but it's basically an introductory book about communication disorders and the book helps you to understand why different disorders are classified and diagnosed the way they are. I probably would not buy this book for reading on vacation but the class I took was interesting and this booked helped me to clarify some of the concepts that we were learning. A good introductory book about the subject, I think.