Upon completion of this chapter, the reader will:

• be able to describe the different elements of speech and of language
  
  
• understand the typical course of language development
  
  
• be familiar with the biological processes that underlie speech and language
  
  
• know the major types of speech and language disorders and their causes
  
  
• be aware of the methods of speech and language assessment
  
  
• recognize the treatment alternatives for these communication disorders