Most authors use the preface of a book to emphasise the ways in which their volume is novel or makes an original contribution to an area of study or investigation. For the most part, I will observe this convention. Case Studies in Communication Disorders is certainly not the first volume to include case studies of clients with communication disorders. However, it is the first volume to treat case studies as a route into the study of communication disorders and as an instructional tool for prospective speech-language pathologists. While other volumes include case studies within text boxes where their purpose is to provide illustration, Case Studies in Communication Disorders immerses the reader in every aspect of a client's communication disorder. From medical history and client background through to assessment, diagnosis and treatment, this volume adopts a systematic case study approach which examines dimensions of communication disorders that are either neglected or treated superficially in other texts.
This book is also novel in three other respects. First, its coverage of the full range of developmental and acquired communication disorders is not replicated by other volumes. Many of these disorders – specific language impairment and aphasia are examples – are treated as standard by all texts. However, conditions such as Huntington's disease, AIDS dementia complex and foreign accent syndrome are rarely addressed by other texts, and yet pose significant communication problems for the clients who have them. Second, the current volume does not restrict the examination of communication disorders to speakers of English. Case studies of developmental phonological disorder in Portuguese, pragmatic language impairment in Swedish and cleft palate speech in Dutch are cases in point. Third, the book places emphasis on rigorous linguistic analysis and sound medical knowledge as the basis of understanding any communication disorder. The combination of these features confers uniqueness on the book and a breadth of coverage which will equip speech-language pathologists to deal with communication disorders of the future.
Each case study observes a similar structure. Information is presented in five units which examine the communication disorder at the centre of the case study, the client's history and communication status, speech and language assessments, and communication interventions. Of necessity, these sections are subject to variation between case studies. In some case studies medical history is examined in detail, while in other case studies developmental history is more significant to a client's communication difficulties and is discussed at length. Speech, language and hearing may all be addressed under communication status in some case studies, while in other case studies only one of these aspects of communication may be examined. Cognitive issues are often so integral to a client's communication disorder that they warrant a dedicated section in a case study. Linguistic data, which include phonetic transcriptions of single-word productions and extracts of conversation and narrative discourse, may be examined in depth in a ‘focus on’ section. This five-part structure reflects the complex array of factors that must be considered in the study of communication disorders, with some of these factors more prominent than others in certain case studies.
Each of the five units is followed by a series of questions. These questions are intended to challenge the reader in several respects. The reader is encouraged to consider the significance of certain linguistic features and clinical findings in the information that is presented. These questions also interrogate the basis of decision-making in speech-language pathology, from the choice of assessments to the adoption of a particular intervention approach or technique. Through engagement with these questions, the reader will develop analytical and problem-solving skills and identify possible gaps in his or her clinical knowledge. The questions can be attempted individually and are a valuable revision tool for exam preparation. Alternatively, they may be used as the basis of a group discussion in class. Responses and observations may be compared with those in an answer section at the back of the book.
Other features of this volume include over 100 suggestions for further reading. These items have been carefully selected not only to provide a comprehensive coverage of communication disorders but also to extend the reader's knowledge of these disorders. To this end, the suggestions contain articles which present state-of-the art discussions of developmental and acquired communication disorders. Several articles describe controversies in communication disorders or challenge the reader to reflect on the ways in which our knowledge of these disorders is still evolving. Among the three recommended readings for each communication disorder are books and articles that are suitable for introductory-level students and pieces that are appropriate for more advanced readers and researchers. Regardless of their experience and knowledge, all readers will find one or more articles that will stimulate their interest among the suggestions for further reading.
