Language Disorders

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