The SAGE Encyclopedia of Human Communication Sciences and Disorders

Exploring the study of communication sciences and disorders, this specialized encyclopedia from Damico (Univ. of Louisiana-Lafayette; Whole Language for Special Needs Children) and Ball (Bangor Univ., UK; Challenging Sonority) will nevertheless appeal to a variety of readers. Included are more than 600 alphabetically arranged, detailed yet succinct entries on everything from acoustics, aphasia, theory of mind, and the effects of sleep on language learning to Parkinson’s disease, stuttering, traumatic brain injury, and tinnitus. More than 400 academic contributors from six continents offer psychological, medical, educational, professional, and therapeutic perspectives. Article length varies greatly, ranging from two to about 16 pages. Some entries include illustrations, charts, graphs, or diagrams. Researchers will appreciate the bibliographies and see-also list that accompany most entries as well as an in-depth index, up-to-date resource list, and glossary. A useful chronology tracks the development of the communication field from 1550 BCE through 1998.