Adult Communication & Swallowing Disorders (SPHSC 429)

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Course Details

  • Location: Online
  • Duration: 11 weeks
  • Times: Flexible
  • Cost : $1,560

Next Start Date:

March 30, 2026

This course is part of a certificate program. You can also take it without enrolling in the program.

Get Details & Apply

About this Course


In this course, you’ll learn about the speech-language pathology profession and explore the nature, primary causes and common clinical approaches used to diagnose, treat and manage acquired speech, language, cognitive-communication and swallowing disorders in adult and geriatric populations. You’ll apply knowledge of communication system anatomy and physiology to understand common neurological and non-neurological disorder etiologies and their behavioral characteristics. You’ll also gain a deeper understanding of clinical service delivery approaches within the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model.

What You'll Learn

  • How to differentiate common communication and swallowing disorders from developmental disorders and age-related changes or differences
  • The causes, symptoms, psychosocial effects and recovery trajectories associated with communication and swallowing disorders
  • Standard and informal assessment and treatment procedures, clinicians’ roles and the basic framework for implementing evaluations and therapy interventions  
  • How to interpret assessment data and develop appropriate treatment plans for novel clinical cases  
  • Current field-related research and professional issues related to communication and swallowing disorders

Learning Format

Online Asynchronous

Enjoy the flexibility of asynchronous learning with the structure of a regular course. With no real-time meetings, you’ll complete weekly assignments and interact with your class at times that work for you. Learn More »

Course Sessions

Online Asynchronous

March 2026 Credit

  • Online
  • 11 weeks
  • $1,560
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Course Note

This course is offered 100% online and runs from March 30, 2026, to June 12, 2026.

Online

Meet your instructor

Julie Dalessio

Teaching Professor, Director of Academic Affairs and Certificate Program Director, UW Department of Speech & Hearing Sciences

M.S., CCC-SLP

Credit Course

You’ll earn 4 academic credits for successfully completing this course. Learn more about credit courses

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