Types of communication disorders
- Stuttering: Most commony recognized speech problem. Disorder affecting speech fluency. There is no known specific cause for this disorder.
- Articulation Disorders: Difficulty making speech sounds correctly. Ofter begins in childhood although may occur later in life as a result of stroke, injury or illness.
- Language DisordersL Difficulty making sense of surroundings, understanding spoken language or expressing thoughts and feelings.
- Apahsia: A language disorder caused by stroke, drug use, brain injury or illness. There are different types of aphasia depending on which areas of the brain are affected.
- Voice Disorders: These disorders are characterized by a voice sounding abnormally high/low pitched or when the voice quality is affected (having a hoarse, breathy or nasal voice).
- Cognitive Communication Disorders: Often seen in people after a head injury or stroke. These disorders make it difficult to think clearly, remember or problem solve.
- Swallowing Disorders: Also know as dysphagia. This usually occurs as a result of illness, surgery, stroke or injury. Characterized by choking, gagging and/or coughing while eating.
Evaluations
There are various skills that can be tested during a speech-language evaluation. Speech-language pathologists assess the following areas:
- Receptive Language: The ability to comprehend or understand language. Examples of skills included: identifying pictures, following directions, recognizing names.
- Expressive Language: The ability to use language to communicate or express thoughts. Examples of skills include: labeling pictures, combining words together, asking questions.
- Articulation: The ability to produce speech sounds correctly individually and in syllables, words, phrases, sentences and conversation.
*Evaluation may also assess fluency, voice quality and oral motor function (coordination, range of motion and strength of the lips, tongue and jaw).
*Methods to evaluate communication disorders may include: observation, parent/caregiver questionnaires and speech/language tests.
Treatment
Speech-language pathologists provide treatment in a variety of settings including: homes, schools, clinics, hospitals and nursing homes. Therapists use a variety of techniques and tools to treat communication disorders. These methods depend on the age of the client and type of disorder.
Several of these treatment methods include: imitation of words/sounds, language activities, oral motor exercises, play based therapy, and parent/caregiver education/training.
Who are Speech-Language Pathologists?
Speech-language pathologists are specially trained professionals who evaluate and treat those with communication disorders. Find one who holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). A certified professional holds at least a masters degree, meets stringent coursework requirements, has completed supervised clinical experience and has passed a national comprehensive examination.
Contact North Coast Therapy if you have any questions or comments about our Speech Language Pathology Services or if you notice your child having difficulty in any of these areas. |
