Language Disorders in Children: An Evidence-Based Approach to Assessment and Treatment

Each chapter concludes with "Chapter Summary" and "Study Guide. " I. AN INTRODUCTION TO LANGUAGE AND LANGUAGE DISORDERS. 1. Language and Verbal Behavior. Rational versus Empirical Approaches Language versus Verbal Behavior Linguistic Analysis of Language Linguistic Explanations of Language and Language Learning Analysis of Verbal Behavior Language and Communication Verbal and Nonverbal Communication 2. An Overview of Language Disorders in Children. What are Language Disorders in Children? Language Disorders by any Other Name Prevalence and Incidence of Language Disorders Varieties of Language Disorders Risk Factors for Language Disorders Effects of Language Disorders 3. Children with Specific Language Impairment (SLI). A Description of SLI Early Communication Deficits Language and Speech Characteristics of Children with SLI Causes, Correlations, and Explanations Is SLI Truly Specific to Language? Prognosis for Children with SLI Understanding SLI: An Integrative Discussion II. ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT OF LANGUAGE DISORDERS. 4. Assessment, Measurement, and Diagnosis. Assessment, Measurement, and Diagnosis An Initial Judgment: Screening Assessment and Measurement Procedures Making a Diagnosis Recommendations: Talking with the Family Members Writing a Diagnostic Report 5. Treatment of Language Disorders: An Evidence-Based Framework. What is Evidence-Based Practice? An Overview of Treatment Research Guidelines to Select: A Hierarchy of Treatment Research Evidence Treatment Research in Children's Language Disorders From the Beginning to the End: An Overview of Treatment Principles of Target Behavior Selection Sequence of Target Behaviors Specifying Target Behaviors Principles of Treatment Sequencing Judging Improvement: Need for Baselines Treatment Principles Structure of Treatment Sessions Treatment Trials Probes for Generalized Productions Criteria for Clinical Decisions Post-Dismissal Follow-up and Booster Treatment 6. Evidence-Based Treatment Techniques. Starting with the Clinical and Moving to the Natural: Fading Putting the Child on the Right Path: Modeling Giving a Hint: Prompting Building More Complex Skills: Shaping Giving a Helping Hand: Manual Guidance Just Telling Them: Instructions Getting Them to Say More: Techniques to Increase Language Skills Strengthening the Language Skills: Varying the Consequences Getting the Children's Cooperation: Decreasing the Troublesome Behaviors Breaking the Rules: Modifying Procedures 7. Establishing Basic Language Skills. Selecting Basic Language Skills Establishing Baselines Teaching Basic Language Skills Sequencing Treatment Preparing for the Next Stage 8. Expanding Language Skills. Expanding Previously Learned Skills Teaching Varied Sentence Types Teaching Conversational Speech Teaching Narrative Skills Teaching Abstract Language Skills Integrating Conversational Skills - Putting it all Together Moving to Nonclinical Settings 9. Maintaining Language Skills: A Family Partnership. Maintenance: Going Beyond Clinical Treatment Generalization: A Misunderstood Concept Maintenance: Skills That Last in Natural Settings Bypassing the Problem: Home-Based Treatment of Children Strategies to Promote Skill Maintenance Follow-up and Booster Treatment 10. Supporting Academic Performance: Language and Literacy. Trends in Special Education Service Delivery Trends in Literacy Instruction Assessment of Reading and Writing Intervention for Reading and Writing Beyond Assessment and Intervention: Advancing the Literacy Knowledge Base and Advocating for Effective Literacy Practices 11. Children in a Multicultural Society: Implications for Assessment and Treatment. Cultural Competency: What Does it Mean and How Does it Help? Differences Are Not Disorders Understanding Each Other: Working with Interpreters Nonbiased Assessment of Multicultural Children Treatment for Multicultural Children: A Question of Generality Working with Children and Families of Varied Cultural Backgrounds III. LANGUAGE DISORDERS IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS OF CHILDREN. 12. Children with Developmental Disability Developmental Disability: Characteristics Causes, Correlations, and Explanations Speech and Language Skills Assessment and Treatment Modifications 13. Children with Autism and Other Pervasive Developmental Disorders. Pervasive Developmental Disorders or Autism Spectrum Disorders? Prevalence of Pervasive Developmental Disorders Causes, Correlations, and Explanations Language and Communication in Children with ASD/PDD Assessment and Treatment Modifications 14. Language Disorders in Three Populations: Children with Traumatic Brain Injury, Cerebral Palsy, and Hearing Loss. Children with Traumatic Brain Injury Children with Cerebral Palsy Children with Hearing Loss 15. Augmentative and Alternative Communication. Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Definition and Types Assessing Communicative Skills in Children who are Nonverbal or Minimally Verbal Assessing Physical, Sensory, and Cognitive Skills Looking for the Best Fit: Selecting an AAC System Supporting Children Using AAC in Natural Settings: Modifications to Treatment Procedures A Look into the Future: Technology, Communication, and Children Glossary. References.