Intro to Communication Disorders

Ch. 1 (Done), Ch. 2 (in progress)

Give some examples of developmental communication disorders.

• Autism

• Cerebral palsy

• Dyslexia

• Down syndrome

• Fetal alcohol syndrome

Give some examples of acquired communication disorders.

• Car accident

• Brain injury

• Cancers

• Surgeries

• Medical events

What is a communication disorder?

Impairs the ability to both receive, send, and also process and comprehend concepts or verbal, nonverbal, and graphic information.

What is a speech disorder?

Atypical production of speech sounds, interruption in the flow of speaking, or abnormal production and/or absences of voice quality, including pitch, loudness, resonance, and/or duration.

What is a language disorder?

An impairment in comprehension and/or use of spoken, written, and/or other symbol systems.

What is a hearing disorder?

Impaired sensitivity of the auditory or hearing system.

What do CSD professionals target/treat?

• Auditory processing disorders

• Augmentative/alternative communication

• Feeding disorders

• Swallowing disorders

• Hearing loss

What do SLPs target?

• Developmental disorders

• Genetic disorders

• Stroke and brain injury

• Progressive neurological disorders

What are some examples of SLP clinical settings?

• Schools

• Skilled nursing facilities

• Private practices

• Hospitals

• NICU

• Acute care

What’s the key to improved outcomes when diagnosing a communication disorder?

Early identification and early intervention

What does EBP stand for?

Evidence Based Practice

EBP is based on 2 assumptions, what are they?

• Clinical skills grow not just from experience, but from currently available data

• An expert SLP or AuD continually seeks new therapeutic info to improve efficiency

Define anatomy

The study of structures of the body and the relationship of these structures to one another.

Define physiology

The branch of biology that is concerned with the functions of organisms and bodily structures.

What are the 3 physiological subsystems involved in speech production?

Respiratory system

Laryngeal system

Articulatory/resonatory systems

What is the primary biological function of the respiratory system?

Supply O₂ to the blood and remove CO₂

What is the overlaid function of the respiratory system?

Generating source for speech function.

What is the primary biological function of the laryngeal system?

To prevent foreign objects from entering trachea and lungs

Impound air for forceful expulsion of foreign objects that threaten lower airways (cough, hack, val salva)

What is the overlaid function of the laryngeal system?

Produce voicing