A communication disorder is an impairment in the ability to receive, send, process, and comprehend concepts or verbal, nonverbal and graphic symbol systems. A communication disorder may be evident in the processes of hearing, language, and/or speech.
A communication disorder may range in severity from mild to profound. It may be developmental or acquired. Individuals may demonstrate one or any combination of communication disorders. A communication disorder may result in a primary disability or it may be secondary to other disabilities.
(information from American Speech-Language-Hearing Association)
Although there are a varied number of language, speech, and communication conditions, the ones that we focus on in this section of the guide make up our three sub-pages:
Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)
Speech Sound Disorder (SSD)
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Handbook of Child Language Disorders by
This second edition of the Handbook of Child Language Disorders brings together a distinguished group of clinical and academic researchers who present novel perspectives on researching the nature of language disorders in children. The handbook is divided into five sections: Typology; Bases; Language Contexts; Deficits, Assessment, and Intervention; and Research Methods. Topics addressed include autism, specific language impairment, dyslexia, hearing impairment, and genetic syndromes and their deficits, along with introductions to genetics, speech production and perception, neurobiology, linguistics, cognitive science, and research methods.
The Handbook of Language and Speech Disorders by
The Handbook of Speech and Language Disorders has been extensively updated and refocused to present a comprehensive survey of the latest research in communication disorders. Reflecting the rapid advances in the field, the second edition of this authoritative Handbook features in-depth coverage of the major disorders of language and speech.
Introduction to Communication Disorders by
"The seventh edition of Introduction to Communication Disorders:, A Lifespan Evidence-Based Perspective has been a yearlong project of dedication and work. We hope you're pleased with the result. As with previous editions, this one is an exhaustive compilation of hundreds of professional studies conducted by our colleagues in the field. Our goal is to educate and inform and also to entice you to want to know more. If you choose to become a speech-language pathologist (SLP) or audiologist, we can promise that there will be many things to learn and skills to master. Coursework will be followed by clinical experiences. Your reward in the end will be a fulfilling and respected career working with other dedicated and knowledgeable professionals"
ASHA President Theresa Rodgers discusses the importance of early identification and treatment of communication disorders.
Above is a video that uses Looney Toons to exemplify what it is like to have a speech disorder. This video was created for the course Human Exceptionalities by: Valerie Hiller, Thomas Ecker, Taylor Hamrick, and Tahirah Anderson.
This broadcast discusses speech and language disorders, their characteristics, and how to potentially spot them in your younger family members.