Speech, Language, and Communication Disorders: Key Concepts and Classifications

Communication

Exchange of information, thoughts, or feelings/ideas between people

Verbal

Spoken words

Nonverbal

Facial expressions, gestures, body language

Written

Reading/Writing

Visual

Pictures, symbols

AAC

Augmentative and Alternative Communication; communication device or system used when speech is difficult or unavailable

Speech

Verbal production of communication includes articulation, voice, and fluency

Articulation

Producing speech sounds

Voice

Sounds produced by the vocal folds

Fluency

The flow and smoothness of speech

Speech disorders

Occur when there is difficulty with articulation, voice, or fluency

Speech sound disorders (SSD)

Difficulty producing speech sounds

Voice disorder

Abnormal pitch, loudness, or quality

Fluency disorder

Disruptions in the flow of speech such as stuttering

Language

System of rules used to understand and express meaning

Phonology

Rules for organization

Morphology

Smallest meaningful units

Syntax

Rules for combining words

Semantics

Meaning of words/sentences

Pragmatics

Social use of language

A Language Disorder

Involves difficulty understanding and/or using language

Receptive

Understanding language

Expressive

Using language

Phone

Any actual speech sounds that are produced

Phoneme

Smallest unit of sound that can change meaning in language

Phonology (system)

System and rules for how sounds are organized and used in a particular language

Articulation (physical)

Physical production of individual speech sounds using the lips, teeth, palate, jaw

Speech Sound Disorder (SSD)

Difficulty producing speech sounds correctly and/or using the sound system of a language appropriately

Articulation Disorder

Involves difficulty producing specific individual speech sounds

Phonological Disorder

Involves difficulty understanding or applying the sound/system/rules of a language

Organic Speech Sound Disorder

Identifiably physical, neurological, or structural cause

Idiopathic Speech Sound Disorder

No clear underlying cause is identified