Communication Disorders

• Definition: Communication disorders encompass a range of conditions that hinder the ability to communicate effectively. They include language disorders, speech sound disorders, and social (pragmatic) communication disorders.

Learning Outcomes

• Define and describe language disorder and social communication disorder.
• Discuss experimental evidence for key difficulties in these disorders.
• Explain the similarities and distinctions of these disorders from other developmental issues.

Overview of Communication Disorders

• Types of Communication Disorders:
• Language Disorder: Involves challenges in understanding and producing language.
• Speech Sound Disorder: Difficulties with articulating specific sounds.
• Childhood-Onset Fluency Disorder: Includes stuttering and other fluency issues.
• Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder: Problems with the social aspect of verbal and nonverbal communication.

DSM-V Classification

• Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Includes communication disorders and other related conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, etc.
• Communication Disorders listed in DSM-V:
• Language Disorder
• Speech Sound Disorder
• Childhood-Onset Fluency Disorder
• Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder

Language Disorder

• Definition and Criteria (DSM-V):
• Persistent difficulties in acquiring and using language across various modalities.
• Reduced vocabulary, limited sentence structure, and impairments in discourse.
• Symptoms must lead to significant impairments in everyday functioning.

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)

• Previously known as Specific Language Impairment (SLI).
• Characterized by specific difficulties related to oral language (expressive and receptive).
• Researchers agree on the variability of DLD symptoms over time.

Key Characteristics:

• Syntax: Understanding the structure of sentences (who did what).
• Morphology: Challenges with tense markings and grammar rules.
• Phonology: Issues relating to sound production and patterns.
• Vocabulary: Poor nonword repetition skills.

Aetiology

• Strong genetic components found in twin studies.
• Theories include:
• Deficits in innate grammatical mechanisms.
• Cognitive theories linking to working memory impairments.
• Perceptual deficits regarding auditory perception of speech sounds.

Social Communication Disorder

• Definition and Criteria (DSM-V):
• Persistent difficulties in the social use of both verbal and nonverbal communication.
• Impairment in changing communication styles based on context.
• Difficulties with conversation rules and inference.

Recognition and Assessment

• Often misclassified as non-language impairment.
• Identified by Rapin and Allen (1987) as distinct from other language impairments like SLI.
• Assessment tools include the Children’s Communication Checklist.

Inferencing Skills

• Assessing the ability to derive meaning beyond explicit statements is crucial for children with social communication disorder.
• Inferences are key in various contexts (e.g., understanding idioms or determining motives).
• Experimental tasks assess how children with different language impairments make inferences.

Other Communication Disorders

Speech Sound Disorder

• Definition (DSM-V): Persistent difficulty with speech production that hampers intelligibility.
• Symptoms typically begin in early developmental stages.

Childhood-Onset Fluency Disorder (Stuttering)

• Characterized by:
• Sound repetitions, prolongations, and blocking.
• Impairs effective communication and social participation.

Comorbid Conditions

• Conditions commonly associated with communication disorders include:
• Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Social anxiety
• Understanding these overlaps is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.