Communication Disorders
Jacie Gorges
What is a Communication Disorder?
A communication disorder is an impairment in the ability to receive, send, process, and comprehend concepts or verbal, nonverbal and graphic symbol systems. This disorder may be evident in the processes of hearing, language, and/or speech.
What are the Causes of Communication Disorders?
Some causes of communication disorders are hearing loss, neurological disorders, brain injury, mental retardation, drug abuse, physical impairments such as cleft lip or palate, emotional or psychiatric disorders, and developmental disorders.
Here Are Some Strategies For Those With Communication Disorders
Language Disorder:
- Incorporate the students interest into speech
- Paraphrase back what the student has said or indicated
- Use language for social interaction and to solve conflict
- Provide fun activities that are functional and practical
Speech Disorder:
- Have easy and good interactive communication in the classroom
- Model acceptance and understanding into the classroom
- Model correct speech patterns and avoid correcting speech difficulties
- Devise alternate procedures for an activity with student
Physical:
- Be aware that if children have muscular disorders, hearing problems, or developmental delays, their acquisition of speech, language, and related skills may be affected
- It is easier to acquire language and communication skills before the age of five because of the way the brain develops
Academics and Behavior:
- Provide a quiet spot for the student if possible
- Provide social and tangible reinforcers
- Have routines that students can follow
- Allow more time for the students to complete tests and assignments
A Few Things That I Learned
- 6,068,802 children with disabilities served in public schools under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in 2003. Only 1,460,583 of those children received services for speech and language disorders.
- The services that speech-language pathologists provide can help children overcome their disabilities, achieve pride and self-esteem, and find meaningful roles in their lives
- Stuttering, the disruption of flow in speech, is known as the most severe dysfluency
- It is estimated that about 7.5 million people in the United States have difficulties using their voices
- Children with Auditory Processing Disorder often do not recognize the difference between sounds and words, even though the sounds themselves are loud and clear