Communication Disorders
SPED 3100
Holli McCullough, Kayla Walden, & Emily Sacks
Definitions
• Communication- the process of sharing
information and involving many communication
functions, such as seeking social interactions
,requesting objects, sharing ideas, and rejecting
on object or interaction.
• Communication disorder- impairs the ability to
transmit or receive ideas, facts, feelings, and
desire and many involve language or speech or
both, including hearing, listening, reading, or
writing.
Definitions
• Language- the commutation of ideas- sending and
receiving them through an arbitrary system of
symbols used according to the certain rules that
determine meaning
- expressive language : encoding or sending
- receptive language: decoding or understand
• Speech- the neuromuscular activity of forming and
sequencing sounds of oral language
Definitions
• Speech disorders- impairments
in the production and use of oral
language.
• Language disorders- problems
in comprehension and
expression.
STATs
• 1/5 out of all children who are identified
special education –receive services for
primarily language or speech disorders
• 8% to 9% of preschool children and about 5% of
students in elementary and secondary
grades have speech disorders (Ehren & Nelson,
2005)
• 2% to 3% of preschool children and 1% of
school- aged population have language
disorders (Ehren & Nelson, 2005)
Language Disorders
“A child may not have a language
disorder yet have a communication
difference that demands special
teaching. Such differences might
be related to culture and/or
disability.”
Language Disorders
1. Language learning depends on brain
development and proper brain functioning
2. Language learning is affected by the
consequences of language behavior
3. Language can be analyzed as input and
outputs related to the way information is
processed
4. Language is acquiring by a biological
process that dictates rules governing the
form, content, and use of language
5. language is one of many cognitive skills
6. Language arises from the need to
communicate in social interactions
“ No one knows exactly how or why
children learn language, but we do
know language development is
related in a general way to physical
maturation, cognitive development,
and socialization.”
Classification of Language Disorders
Two primary dimensions:
1. domain
2. etiology
Types of Language
1. phonological
2. morphological
3. syntactical
4. semantic
5. pragmatic
Primary Language Disorders
• Specific language impairment
(SLI)
• Early expressive language delays
(EELD)
• Language based reading
impairment
Secondary Language Disorder
Caused by any other conditions,
such as intellectual disabilities,
hearing impairment, autistic
spectrum disorder, cerebral
palsy, or traumatic brain
injuries.
Speech Disorders
Speech Disorders
“ Most speech disorders will
be treated primarily by a
speech-language
pathologist, not classroom
teachers.”
Speech Disorders
• Phonological Disorders
• Articulation Disorders
• Voice Disorders
• Fluency Disorders
• Motor-Speech Disorders
Phonological Disorders
• A disorder that occurs in children who are
younger than 9 years old. The disorder
results in the impaired ability to produce
sounds in his/her own language.
Articulation Disorders
• Errors in producing sounds
– Omits sounds
– Substitutes
– Distorts
– Add speech sounds
Voice Disorders
• they are difficult to
define precisely
– Characteristics
• Pitch
• Loudness
• Quality (how they
use their larynx)
Fluency Disorders
Motor-Speech Disorders
• The muscles that make speech possible
are under voluntary control.
• When damage occurs to the areas of the
brain that controls these muscles or to
the nerves leading to the muscles, the
ability to speak normally is disturbed.
What does this mean to be a teacher of
a students with commutation
disorder?
Educational Considerations
• Facilitating the social use of
language
• Question- Asking Strategies
• Teaching Literacy: Reading
and written expression
“The classroom offers many
possibilities for language learning and
should provide most continuous
opportunities for students and teachers
to employ language and obtain feedback
in constructive relationships.”
Assessments of Progress
• Dynamic assessment
- speech-language pathologist
• Curriculum- based language and
communication assessment
Early Intervention
Early Intervention in Delayed
Language Development
- paralinguistic communication
- milieu teaching
Involvement of Families
What does this mean to be a teacher of a student
with a commutation disorder?
1. Provide information about delays and
disorders of speech, language, or
communication
2.Collect information about speech,
language, and communication
strengths and interventions needs in
order to maximize participation in the
classroom and other school settings
3. Interpret assessment information to others
to help to develop intervention goals and
objectives, plan activities and select
appropriate methods and materials
4. Provide direct instruction for specific
speech. Language, and communication
skills to individuals and small groups
5. Work collaboratively with others to promote
students participation in age- appropriate
activities and natural environment
Quiz
Resources
Ehren & Nelson, 2005; National
Institution of Deafness and
Communication Disorders
Hallahan, Kauffman & Pullen, 2012;
Exceptional Learners: An
Introduction to Special Education