Communication Disorders 

What are  communication disorders? 

There are several different types of communication disorders, including the following: 

• expressive language disorder 

• mixed receptive-expressive language disorder 

Mixed receptive-expressive language disorder identifies developmental  delays and difficulties in  the ability to understand spoken  language and produce speech. 

What  causes communication disorders? 

Communication  disorders may be developmental or acquired. The cause is believed to be based on biological problems such as abnormalities of  brain development, or possibly by exposure to toxins during pregnancy,  such as abused substances or environmental toxins such as lead. A genetic factor is sometimes considered a contributing  cause in some cases. 

Who is affected by communication disorders? 

For unknown reasons, boys are diagnosed with communication disorders more often  than girls. Children with communication disorders frequently  have other psychiatric  disorders as well. 

What are the symptoms of communication disorders? 

The following are  the most common symptoms  of communication disorders. However, each  child may experience symptoms differently. 

Young children  with communication  disorders may not speak at all,  or may have  a limited vocabulary for their age. Some children  with communication disorders have difficulty understanding simple directions  or are unable to name objects. Most children with communication disorders are able to speak by the time  they enter school, however, they continue to  have problems with communication. 

School-aged children often  have problems understanding and formulating words. Teens  may have more difficulty  with understanding or expressing abstract ideas.

The symptoms  of communication disorders may resemble other problems  or medical conditions. Always consult your child's physician for  a diagnosis. 

How are communication disorders diagnosed? 

Most  children with communication disorders  are first referred for speech and  language evaluations when their delays in communicating are noted. A child psychiatrist is usually consulted, especially when emotional  or behavioral problems  are also present. A comprehensive evaluation also involves psychometric testing (testing designed  to assess logical reasoning abilities, reactions to different situations, and thinking performance; not tests of general knowledge) and psychological testing of cognitive abilities. 

Treatment for communication disorders: 

Specific treatment for  communication disorders will be determined by your child's physician, special education teachers,  and speech/language  and mental health professionals based on: 

• your  child's age, overall health,  and medical history 
• extent  of the disorder 
• type  of disorder
• your child's tolerance for specific medications or therapies 
• expectations  for the course of  the disorder 
• your opinion or preference 

A coordinated effort between parents, teachers,  and speech/language and mental health professionals provides  the basis  for individualized treatment strategies that  may include individual or group remediation, special classes, or special resources. Two approaches are usually considered. Remedial techniques are used  to increase communication skills in  the areas  of the deficit. A second approach helps the child build on his/her strengths  to circumvent his/her communication deficit.

Prevention  of communication disorders: 

Specific preventive measures  to reduce  the incidence  of communication disorders  are not known at this time. However, early detection  and intervention can address  the developmental needs  and academic difficulties to improve  the quality of life experienced by children with communication disorders.