Communication Disorders
Learn More:
Radio Segment
Steve Muething, MD, associate director of clinical services in the Division of General and Community Pediatrics, can now be heard weekly "The Health Show," distributed by WAMC/Northeast Public Radio. On April 22, 2004, he spoke about Language development. Listen to this segment:
What causes communication disorders?
Communication disorders can occur suddenly, due to an accident or injury. In children, the cause may be due to genetic factors, or may occur during the pregnancy or neonatal period. In this case, the problem is not recognized until the child fails to develop communication skills. Some causes of communication problems include the following:
- Craniofacial anomalies
- Oral anomalies (cleft lip/palate, dental malocclusion, macroglossia, oral-motor dysfunction)
- Pharyngeal anomalies (upper airway obstruction, velopharyngeal insufficiency/incompetence)
- Laryngeal anomalies (vocal fold pathology, tracheal stenosis, tracheostomy, respiratory compromise)
- Auditory problems (hearing loss or deafness)
- Neurological disease/dysfunction (head trauma, brain stem injury, developmental or cognitive disorder, etc.)
- Psychiatric disorders (psychosis, schizophrenia, etc.)
- Environmental deprivation
- Prematurity or traumatic birth
- Developmental disorders (developmental delay, pervasive developmental disability, autism spectrum, etc.)
What are the symptoms of communication disorders?
The following are the most common symptoms of communication disorders. However, each child may experience symptoms differently.
- No speech at all or a very limited vocabulary
- Difficulty understanding simple directions or inability to name objects
- Ability to speak but continuing problems with communication after reaching school age
- Problems understanding and formulating words after reaching school age
- Difficulty understanding or expressing abstract ideas by teen years
The symptoms of communication disorders may resemble other problems or medical conditions, which can further complicate a diagnosis.
How are communication disorders diagnosed?
A hearing screening or audiology evaluation is recommended prior to a speech evaluation to rule out hearing loss. Speech and language skills are evaluated using parent reports, standardized tests, and clinical observation of play and communication activities. Social interactions, play skills, and behavior are also evaluated.
Treatment for communication disorders:
For the best long-term prognosis, treatment of children with communication disorders should be initiated as soon as the problem is identified. The length of therapy and ultimate success depends on the cause and severity of the problem, and on the child's motivation. One of the most important predictors of success is the frequency with which prescribed activities are practiced at home.
Why Cincinnati Children's?
As a national leader in pediatric speech pathology, Cincinnati Children's has a program for the treatment of communication disorders. This program is staffed by speech-language pathologists who have undergone specific specialty training. We welcome referrals from primary care providers and specialty physicians.
Contact Us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
Rev. 11/07
