Thoroughly updated to meet the needs of today’s students in communication sciences and disorders programs, Language Disorders: A Functional Approach to Assessment and Intervention in Children, Seventh Edition is a comprehensive overview of language disorders and clinical practice with a focus on the child’s overall communication effectiveness. Unlike other texts that have a disorder-specific focus, this book emphasizes a functional and holistic approach to assessment and intervention by shifting the perspective to how a child uses the language feature targeted and how assessment can consider language as it’s used. The author presents intervention methods in a system of least prompts, followed by information on each area of language and literacy. Generalization is foremost throughout the text.

Known for writing numerous bestselling textbooks related to speech-language pathology, the author approaches this complex subject in a practical matter while maintaining a conversational writing style that resonates with students.

Key Features

• Each chapter begins with a case example
• Information on children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds is woven into each chapter
• “Food for Thought” boxes invite students to move beyond the text and consider the implications for assessment and intervention of the material
• Key terms are highlighted throughout and included in a handy glossary
• Numerous tables provide easy reference on the many techniques and norms
• Multiple appendices include additional practical information

New to the Seventh Edition

• New and improved modern layout with color enhancements
• 600+ new references highlighting the latest theoretical and evidence-based practices
• Greater focus on discussions of assessment of children with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• New section on developmental language disorders (DLD), with new and more inclusive terms
• Increased emphasis on autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• The chapters on language and narrative analysis have been strengthened and consolidated into one
• Increased number of figures and tables