Communication Impairments Speech Disorders/Impairments

Speech disorders refer to difficulties producing speech sounds or problems with voice quality. They might be characterized by an interruption in the flow or rhythm of speech, such as stuttering, which is called dysfluency. Speech disorders may be problems with the way sounds are formed, called articulation or phonological disorders, or they may be difficulties with the pitch, volume or quality of the voice. There may be a combination of several problems. People with speech disorders have trouble using some speech sounds, which can also be a symptom of a delay. They may say "see" when they mean "ski" or they may have trouble using other sounds like "l" or "r". Listeners may have trouble understanding what someone with a speech disorder is trying to say. People with voice disorders may have trouble with the way their voices sound.

From NICHCY- Info About Speech & Language Disorders
Fact Sheet Number 11 (FS11), 2000

Articles:

Speech and Language : Causes, Milestones and Suggestions - " Most children have speech that is easily understood by an unfamiliar listener by school age, however, some children take longer to develop their speech." by Kimberly A. Powell, Ph.D.

Guidelines for Your Child's First Words - " Children learn words and use them in communication best when those words do the following things." by James D. MacDonald.

Having Conversations with Children Learning to Talk - "One of the most important things in helping children learn to talk is to have frequent, friendly conversations with them." by James D. MacDonald.

Why Do Children Have Difficulty Learning to Talk? - " A few of the common problems we have seen" by James D. MacDonald.

Ask questions & find answers at Speechville's message board!