Foreword
In Case Studies in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Second Edition, Dennis Tanner
writes for the student of speech-language pathology, although the student is not the only one who
will find value in this book. Throughout this engaging text, Tanner provides factual and histori-
cal information about each of the major communication disorders. The case studies presented in
each chapter uncover the functional barriers encountered by clients of practicing speech-language
pathologists and audiologists.
This textbook is unique in the discipline of communication science and disorders. Tanner’s
numerous case studies are presented as realistic narratives. This provides a rare opportunity for
students and clinicians alike to experience the struggle with a communication disorder through
the eyes of patients themselves—patients who know what it is to have communication silenced.
Through Tanner’s gifted storytelling, the reader learns about the complexity of human communi-
cation, about the damage that stuttering, language delay, articulation and voice disorders, dyspha-
gia, traumatic brain injury, aphasia, and other communication disorders have on the psychological
well-being of the person who experiences them. Tanner also reveals the detailed decision-making
process of the treating clinician, and the fear and requisite bravery experienced by the family mem-
bers who patiently encourage and advocate for the person who struggles to regain his or her com-
municative independence. For each disorder, Tanner presents multiple accounts of the habilitation
and rehabilitation process. He reveals the struggles of patients, family members, and clinicians
as they grapple with fears, frustration, and depression, and the satisfaction and joy experienced
through overcoming struggles and achieving success.
In addition to the eye-opening personal accounts, the student of human communication will
benefit from the clear and in-depth lessons that define each of the communication disorders. The
academic concepts presented in this textbook are accurate, thorough, and well written. Clinical
sidebars engage the reader and encourage deep ref lection on the content. Sound information on
diagnosis and treatment of communication disorders serves as a practical guide for the developing
clinician.
Although students in the discipline of the speech and hearing sciences are the intended audi-
ence, the accounts of these communication disorders provide valuable insight for the current
practitioner of speech-language pathology. In this way, Tanner allows the clinician to become the
patient. The family member of a person with a communication disorder will also find value in
this book. Case Studies in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Second Edition, is an excellent
resource for technical knowledge and intimately guides the reader through the struggles of com-
munication disorders.
—Stephanie C. Christensen, PhD
Assistant Professor
Midwestern University
Downers Grove, Illinois