Communication Across the Lifespan combines communication and lifespan development, in order to equip students entering health, disability and related fields with the skills they need to engage effectively with people of all ages and life experiences. The book gives a sound introduction to the essential concepts of therapeutic communication across the lifespan within the New Zealand environment, and is informed by current issues and debate, designed to encourage critical thinking and reflection. Health and wellness issues are covered from the perspective of patients and professionals which enable students to hear what patients say and to explore their own lived experience of health and illness.

KEY FEATURES

• Chapter overviews outline the topic that will be covered within each chapter
• Key terms that students will need
• Case studies illustrate theory working in practical situations
• Summaries reiterate the main points of each chapter to help cement student learning
• Reflection points refer back to key terms with questions for self-reflection
• Review questions encourage students to drill down into more details about broad health and communication issues.

PART 1 COMMUNICATION AND LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT

1. Introducing Communication & Development
2. The Antenatal Journey
3. Birth and Neonate
4. 'MY do it!' Communication with Babies and Young Children
5. School Age
6. Teens
7. Early Adulthood
8. Middle Years
9. Senior Years
10. Death, Grief and Bereavement

PART 2 COMMUNICATION AND HUMAN ENGAGEMENT
11. Communication and Survival
12. Access and Communication
13. Power Relations
14. Culture
15. Social and Interpersonal Dynamics
16. Touch
17. Media
18. Types of Messages
19. Language and Vocabulary
20. Style and Manner
21. Receiving the Message
22. Written Communication
23. The Electronic Message
24. Creative Messages

PART 3 PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION
25. Professional Communication
26. Therapeutic Engagement
27. Care at a Distance

Susan Shaw, Associate Dean Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand.

Ailsa Haxell, Senior Lecturer, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand.

Terry Weblemoe, Lecturer, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand.