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SLT504 - Early Childhood Speech, Language and Hearing Disorders

2026

Sector

Higher Education

Discipline

Speech Therapy

Credit Points

Unit Level

500

Equivalent Units

Prerequisites

Incompatible

Coerequisites

Assumed Knowledge

Unit Description

In this unit students will explore developmental language and speech sound delays and disorders in infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Students will also learn about the nature of otitis media and hearing impairment and understand its impact on communication. Students will further develop their practical skills in the transcription and analysis of childhood speech and language. They will develop competencies in the assessment, analysis and interpretation of client data, as well as the planning and implementation of evidence-based, client-centred speech pathology practice for children with developmental speech and language delays and disorders.

Important Information

Online enrolment is not available for this unit. To enrol, complete the Special Enrolment form accessed via the eForms tile through CDU Portal.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1.	Identify factors contributing to speech and language development and disorder
2.	Critically reflect on the impact of hearing impairment in the development of communication.
3.	Diagnose typical and atypical communication development in children.
4.	Analyse child speech and language assessment to identify and describe areas of impairment and impact on participation.
5.	Formulate and implement evidence based management plans for children with speech and language difficulties specifying the role of key stakeholders.

Assessment Overview

	Assessment Task	Value (of total mark)	Related Learning Outcome/s
1.	Case history interview (500 words)	10%	1,3,4
2.	Discussion Board Post (3 x 300 words) (Hurdle)	P/F	1,2,3,4,5'
3.	Written report and video demonstration (2500 words) - hurdle	45%	1,2,3,4,5
4.	Final Exam (2 hours) - hurdle	45%	1,2,3,4,5

Unit Availability

Year	Semester	Att Mode	Location	Learning Method	Timetable*
2026	Semester 1	Internal	Casuarina Campus	OLR	View
2026	Semester 1	External	External Studies	OLR	View

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OLR: Internet access is required for this unit as students are required to access study materials provided on-line through Learnline. Please log into Learnline on the first day of each teaching period. For more information about Learnline, please click here.

Critical Dates

Important Dates for Students

Fee Information:
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Student Services and Amenities Fees
2026 Domestic Unit Fees (PDF)
2026 Incidental Fees (PDF)