Communication before Speech

This work addresses the theoretical aspects of the development of communication up to and including the beginnings of speech in normally developing children, and those with severe learning difficulties. It also includes an approach to practical assessment.

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First published in 1998. This is the second edition Communication Before Speech and reflects the new developments in the fields of language acquisition and learning disabilities. Pragmatics, the functional use of communication, has become central to much communicative intervention. Resettlement of people with learning disabilities into the community has been associated with an increased interest in work with adults, particularly those with behaviour that challenges services.