Research Guides: SPGN 323W: Sources for Topic Ideas

Exploring Topics

Your research and writing will be more enjoyable if you find a topic that you are especially interested in and/or a topic that is meaningful to your career goals. You can use education news periodicals and reference sources to browse for topic ideas and get background information that will help you choose a topic. On this page you will find:

Links to sources with current news related to special education topics.
Links to online reference works

Reference works such as the Encyclopedia of Special Education can give you background information and an overview of topic areas. The essays in reference works may mention specific aspects of that topic area that might help you narrow the focus of your topic.

Special Education News

Communication Disorder Professional Periodicals

ASHA Leader
NIDCD News
News on NIH research related to communication disorders.

Reference Database

SAGE Knowledge This link opens in a new window
Ebooks and reference sources from SAGE.
Subjects: Many subjects, including African American Studies, Anthropology, Business Ethics, Communication, Criminology, Economics, Education, Gender Studies, History, Politics, Psychology, Social Issues, Social Work, Sociology.
Info type: encyclopedia articles, ebooks

APA Dictionary of Psychology
More than 25,000 authoritative entries across 90 subfields of psychology.

General Special Ed Reference Works

Encyclopedia of Disability by Gary L. Albrecht (Editor)
Publication Date: 2006
Essays written by scholars.
Encyclopedia of Special Education, 4th ed.
Publication Date: 2014
This four volume comprehensive encyclopedia on Special Education topics can be searched and read online.
Multiple user ebook.
The Handbook of Diversity in Special Education by Marie Tejero Hughes; Elizabeth Talbott (Editors)
Publication Date: 2017
Focuses on children and youth with disabilities from diverse cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and economic backgrounds.
Handbook of Early Childhood Special Education
Publication Date: 2016
This handbook discusses early childhood special education (ECSE), with particular focus on evidence-based practices.
Handbook of Educational Psychology and Students with Special Needs by Andrew J. Martin; Rayne A. Sperling; Kristie J. Newton (Editors)
Publication Date: 2020
Synthesizes and builds on existing interdisciplinary research to establish a comprehensive case for effective psycho-educational theory, research, and practice that address learners with special needs, such as students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, other executive function difficulties, behavior and emotional disorders, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, dyslexia, language and communication difficulties, physical and sensory disabilities, and more.
The SAGE Handbook of Special Education, 2nd ed.
Publication Date: 2014
A comprehensive overview of special education, including topics related to special ed needs, inclusion, learning, pedagogical approaches, assessment, social issues, research directions, special ed history, and more.

Speech-Language Pathology E-Book Reference

The Handbook of Language and Speech Disorders, 2nd ed. by Jack S. Damico (Editor); Nicole Müller (Editor); Martin J. Ball (Editor)
Publication Date: 2021
An authoritative overview of language and speech disorders.
The SAGE Encyclopedia of Human Communication Sciences and Disorders by Jack S. Damico (Editor); Martin J. Ball (Editor)
Publication Date: 2019
This 4 volume set covers the spectrum of communication disorders, from causation and prevention to testing and assessment; through rehabilitation, intervention, and education. Tip: Use the Readers Guide for effective browsing.
Medical Speech-Language Pathology: A Desk Reference, 4th Ed by Lee Ann C. Golper; Bernice K. Klaben; Claire Kane Miller
Publication Date: 2018
Quick reference providing brief definitions, descriptions, and explanations into the vernacular that is integral to those who work in a health care setting. The purpose of this text is to advance the competencies and confidence of speech-language pathology (SLP) clinicians working in medically related settings by familiarizing them with the language, principles, practices, and procedures they will encounter.
Encyclopedia of Deafness and Hearing Disorders by Carol Turkington; Allen E. Sussman
Publication Date: 2004
Encyclopedia of Language Development by Patricia J. Brooks (Editor); Vera Kempe (Editor)
Publication Date: 2014
Covers the breadth of theory and research on language development from birth through adulthood, as well as their practical application.
The Handbook of Adult Language Disorders by Argye E. Hillis (Editor)
Publication Date: 2015
A "guide to the scientific and clinical tenets of aphasia study and treatment".
The MIT Encyclopedia of Communication Disorders by Raymond D. Kent
Publication Date: 2004
Covers "the entire range of communication and speech disorders in children and adults, from basic science to clinical diagnosis. The book has four sections: Voice, Speech, Language, and Hearing. Within each category, entries are organized into three subsections: Basic Science, Disorders, and Clinical Management.
Open Access Atlas of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Operative Surgery
This free online textbook offers chapters on physical conditions that may be useful for speech pathologists.
The SAGE Deaf Studies Encyclopedia by Genie Gertz; Patrick Boudreault (Editors)
Publication Date: 2016
This Encyclopedia shifts focus away from the medical model that has viewed deaf individuals as needing to be remedied in order to correct so-called hearing and speaking deficiencies for the sole purpose of assimilation into mainstream society. Search by keyword or use the "Reader's Guide" to browse by topic.
Encyclopedia of Special Education, 4th ed.
Publication Date: 2014
This four volume comprehensive encyclopedia on Special Education topics can be searched and read online.
Multiple user ebook.

Medical Conditions Reference

OpenMD
Directory of open resources, includes anatomy, audiology, drugs, evidence & guidelines, first aid, health education, mental health, nursing, nutrition, pediatric health, specialty areas, and more. Uses an advisory board of doctors, scientists, and pharmacists to ensure quality of resources.
Health Information - National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
Provides brief overviews of many conditions related to hearing, balance, voice, speech, language and other disorders.

Human Diseases and Conditions by Miranda Herbert Ferrara (Editor)
Publication Date: 2017
Provides current, accurate, and comprehensive information on human diseases and conditions--infectious diseases, various types of cancer, physical and psychological conditions, tropical diseases, sports injuries, and important public health issues.

Gale Virtual Reference Library This link opens in a new window
Search and display the full-text of reference books.
Subjects: Many subjects, including History, Education, Film, Health, Science, Social Science
Info type: encyclopedia and reference book entries.
List of sources.

Other Specialized Reference Works

Encyclopedia of Movement Disorders, Three-Volume Set
Publication Date: 2010
The Encyclopedia of Movement Disorders is a comprehensive reference work on movement disorders, encompassing a wide variety of topics in neurology, neurosurgery, psychiatry and pharmacology.
Single user version
PANDAS and PANS in School Settings
Publication Date: 2016
PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Strep) and PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) occur when an abnormal immune response produces brain inflammation, leading to unusual psychological symptoms in children. Contributions from experts provide educators with the understanding needed to be able to collaboratively identify PANDAS and PANS, and carry out effective interventions.
The SAGE Deaf Studies Encyclopedia by Genie Gertz; Patrick Boudreault (Editors)
Publication Date: 2016
This Encyclopedia shifts focus away from the medical model that has viewed deaf individuals as needing to be remedied in order to correct so-called hearing and speaking deficiencies for the sole purpose of assimilation into mainstream society. Search by keyword or use the "Reader's Guide" to browse by topic.