Survey of Communication Disorders - Basics of Communication

Fundamentals of the Communication Process

  • Dynamic Communication Exchange: Communication relies on a systematic process between a sender and a receiver involving distinct operational stages:

    • Encoding: The mechanism through which a sender converts internal mental thoughts and ideas into a structured, transmittable message.

    • Message: The specific information that is transmitted by the sender and received by the receiver.

    • Decoding: The process wherein the receiver interprets and understands the incoming message, successfully converting the message back into internal thoughts and ideas.

Sensory Modalities in Communication

  • Definition of Sensory Modalities: Sensory modalities refer to the specific physiological channels and senses through which individuals engage with and process incoming information.

  • Classification of Sensory Modalities:

    • Taste (Gustation): Information processing via the gustatory system.

    • Touch (Tactile): Information processing via tactile perception.

    • Hearing (Audition): Information processing via the auditory system.

    • Smell (Olfaction): Information processing via olfactory channels.

    • Sight (Vision): Information processing via visual perception.

Communication Modalities

  • Verbal Modality: Involves the production of speech by the sender and the reception through hearing (audition) by the receiver.

  • Written Modality: Involves the physical act of writing by the sender and reception through sight (vision) by the receiver.

  • Non-Verbal (Gestural) Modality: Involves non-spoken forms of transmission and reception, including:

    • Facial expressions

    • Vision

    • Touch

    • Drawing

  • Sender-Receiver Interactions: Communicative exchanges involve message transfer between two entities (e.g., Sender A conveying a statement such as "New York is a big city" to Receiver B).

Characterization of Communication Disorders

  • Definition: A communication disorder is defined as the inappropriate or impaired functioning of the communication process. This includes disruption in:

    • Receiving messages

    • Sending messages

    • Understanding messages across verbal, written, or non-verbal (gestural) modalities.

  • Severity and Manifestation:

    • Severity Continuum: Manifestations can vary across a spectrum ranging from mild to severe.

    • Underlying Etiology: Communication disorders are typically associated with compromised hearing, language, or speech functions.

    • Atypical Manifestation: Communication disorders can also occur without the presence of overt hearing, language, or speech issues.