Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders

The Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorder and Sciences (ANCDS), is an international organization founded in 1985, by a pioneering group of Speech-Language Pathologists, seeks to provide a forum for Speech-Language Pathologists with a special interest in neurologic communication disorders, an opportunity to connect and share research related to this specific area of study. The ANCDS is governed by an executive board, as well as a standing board and committee boards. Although it boasts a modest 226 members within the continental United States, the organization includes such prominent Speech-Language Pathologists as Nancy Helms-Estabrooks and Pelagie Beeson. Their mission statement reads as follows: (The Academy of Neurologic Communication Disorders seeks to):
“Promote quality service to persons with neurologic communication disorders by developing training guidelines for preparation of speech-language pathologists for clinical practice with this population, developing standards for clinical practice of speech-language pathologists with this populations, and to develop the standards and provide the means to certify specialists in this area of practice.
Promote state-of-the art education of practitioners in neurologic communication disorders.
Promote exchange of information and ideas among its members.
Promote research that contributes to better understanding and management of neurologic communication disorders.
Provide leadership in the development of clinical expertise in neurologic communication disorders.”
Membership can take two forms: Full and Associate, although recent newsletters from the ANCD report these forms currently being under discussion to change to Full and Student.
In order to acquire a full membership in ANCDS, an applicant must have earned a doctorate in communication disorders, in addition to 5 years of experience in clinical practice, teaching, and/or research in the field of neurologic communication disorders OR have