Causes of Communication and Feeding/ Swallowing Disorders
The exact cause of a communication disorder is not always known. However, common causes include abnormal structures (oral, pharyngeal, or laryngeal), oral-motor dysfunction, neurological problems or brain injury, learning problems and hearing loss. Causes of feeding and swallowing disorders include structural abnormalities and neurological problems.
High Risk Populations
Conditions that contribute to communication or feeding/swallowing disorders include the following:
Auditory Problems
Environmental Deprivation
- Environmental deprivation for a variety of reasons, including long term hospitalization or stay in an orphanage
- Sensory deprivation (hearing or vision)
Laryngeal Anomalies
- Tracheostomy
- Ventilator dependency
- Tracheal stenosis
- Vocal fold pathology, paralysis or paresis
Neurologic Dysfunction
Oral Anomalies
Oral-Motor Dysfunction
Pharyngeal Anomalies
Psychiatric Problems
Contact Us
For more information about the Division of Speech Pathology at Cincinnati Children's, contact 513-636-4341 or speech@cchmc.org.
