Differential Diagnosis Sample Syllabi

Course Objectives

  • To review the principles underlying assessment in general and nonbiased assessment in communication disorders.
  • To introduce the major clinical activities of a diagnostic process.
  • To review and critique the major diagnostic instruments used in the field of communication disorders.
  • To examine alternatives to traditional assessment and to gain experience in developing alternative assessment procedures.

Required Texts

Philips, B.J., & Ruscello, D. (1998). Differential diagnosis in speech-language pathology. Boston, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann.

Shipley, K., & McAfee, J. (1992). Assessment in speech-language pathology. San Diego: Singular Publishing.

Tomblin, J.B., Morris, H.S, & Spriestersback, D.C. (2000). Diagnosis in speech-language pathology (2nd ed.). San Diego, CA: Singular.

Recommended Reading

Taylor, O. (1986). Treatment of communication disorders in culturally and linguistically diverse populations. Austin, TX: PRO-ED.

Class Outline

Class 1: Introduction and Overview

Class 2: Nomenclature/Diagnostic Models/Clinical Bias

  • Philips & Ruscello, Chapter 1

Class 3: Multicultural Issues/Test Bias

  • Philips & Ruscello, Chapter 2
  • Taylor, Chapters 2 & 3
  • Shipley & McAfee, Appendix A

Class 4: Psychometrics

  • CELF-3 Manual
  • Shipley & McAfee, Appendix B

Class 5: Case History/Hearing Screening/Oral Mechanism Examination

  • Tomblin et al, Chapters 5, 7 &18
  • Shipley & McAfee, Chapters 1, 2 and 10

Class 6: Diagnosing Language Disorders in Children

  • Philips & Ruscello, Chapter 10
  • Shipley & McAfee, Chapters 4 & 6

Class 7: Diagnosing Language Disorders in Adults

  • Aphasia/Head Injury/Right Hemisphere
  • Philips & Ruscello, Chapter 10
  • Shipley & McAfee, Chapter 9

Class 8: Diagnosing Articulation Disorders/Motor Speech Disorders

  • Philips & Ruscello, Chapters 5 & 8
  • Shipley & McAfee, Chapter 5
  • Group Projects Due
  • Diagnosing Stuttering
  • Philips & Ruscello, Chapter 6
  • Shipley & McAfee, Chapter 7

Class 9: Diagnosing Voice Disorders

  • Philips and Ruscello, Chapter 7
  • Shipley & McAfee, Chapter 8
  • Research Paper Due

Class 10: Dysphagia

  • Philips & Ruscello, Chapter11
  • Shipley & McAfee, Chapter 9
  • Exit Conference/Report Writing and Evaluation Team
  • Tomlin et al, Chapter 4
  • Shipley & McAfee, Chapter 3

Assignments

Group Research Project

Each group will select a clinical area in the diagnostic process. Students will develop a guide for all the diagnostic materials that are germane to one of the following areas: Child Speech (0-6 years), Child Language (0-6 years), School-age Speech and Language (6-18 years), Adult Speech, Adult Language.

Research Paper

Each student will be expected to develop a topic and research hypothesis in a diagnostic area of choice. Students will then develop a five- to 10-page paper designed to address the research questions. Students are expected to abide by the APA manual.

ASHA Corporate Partners