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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.