Preface

This ebook is designed specifically for aspiring speech pathologists embarking on their professional journey.  This book provides an overview of the speech pathology profession, beginning with a clear explanation of the role and responsibilities of speech pathologists. The text then explores the diverse areas of practice relating to communication and swallowing.  The anatomy involved in communication and swallowing is explored, offering insights into how the structures of the human body support these crucial functions. Linguistics is another key area covered, offering insights into the structure and function of language, including syntax, pragmatics, semantics, morphology, phonology, and phonetics. The book also delves into the core aspects of communication development, covering the typical progression of speech, language and literacy skills from infancy through adulthood. It offers students a framework for understanding both typicality and diversity in development. These are concepts which are essential for effective assessment and intervention.  The book advocates for culturally responsive practice, outlining strategies for delivering effective and sensitive care to clients from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, the book emphasises the professional foundations of speech pathology, covering ethical principles, evidence-based practice, and the importance of advocacy and lifelong learning.

This ebook was developed with support from a James Cook University Textbook Affordability Project Grant.  Our primary aim for the development of this ebook is to have an open-access single resource for students that covers multiple content areas, and that also incorporates scaffolded and interactive learning. We hope that this single source will also enable students to see connections between subjects, instead of the subjects potentially being seen as separate entities.  We have co-created this ebook in collaboration with first-year speech pathology students to ensure the resource meets their learning needs and styles.

Some of the material in this book has been adapted with gratitude from the open textbook Essentials of Linguistics (2nd ed). We have adapted parts of the book to reflect the James Cook University and Australian speech pathology contexts.

We acknowledge and extend our gratitude to Jaimee Hamilton for generously volunteering to peer review this ebook.