Speech & communication disorders: 10 types and the benefits of treating them in young children and adolescents

Speech and communication skills are instrumental in everyday situations, influencing both social and emotional well-being. Many children are born with speech or communication disorders. They can also be secondary effects of other conditions.

In addition, speech and communication disorders in early childhood development can make a big impact on a person’s education and development. Learning from a specialized and comprehensive therapy team that understands these complexities can make a big difference.

This article will outline 10 types of speech and communication disorders and explore comprehensive therapies that address various aspects of speech and communication used daily.

What are speech and communication disorders? 

Speech and communication disorders are similar in some ways, but there are important differences. Communication disorders affect a person’s ability to send, receive and process information. They can involve verbal, nonverbal and symbolic systems as well as complex concepts and auditory processing. Speech disorders can affect the articulation of speech sounds, fluency and voice. 

These disorders don’t affect a person’s intellect. However, they may cause problems with accessing information, carrying out complex tasks or responding to others. They are sometimes present at birth, but they can also be acquired. 

10 types of speech and communication disorders

Speech and communication disorders can be primary conditions, or they may be caused by another condition, for instance, motor speech disorders, traumatic brain injury, an intellectual disability or autism. These disorders exist on a spectrum of severity, with mild, moderate or severe effects on daily functions. Although there are no “cures” for speech and communication disorders, children and adults can improve their skills and abilities with therapy.

The following are 10 types of speech and communication disorders:

  • AphasiaAphasia describes disorders with the areas of the brain we use to understand and select words and the muscles used in speaking. People with different types of aphasia may struggle with speech, understanding or both. They may have trouble finding the right words or repeating words and phrases spoken to them.
  • Dysarthria Dysarthria is the term for disorders with the muscles used in forming words. It’s usually caused by neuromuscular diseases like cerebral palsy, but it can also be acquired after an injury, surgery or a stroke. A person with dysarthria may slur their speech, speak in a whisper or sound like they’re mumbling.
  • Apraxia — People with apraxia are unable to perform a task when they’re asked, even though they understand the request and they’re willing and able to do it. It involves difficulties with performing muscle movements in the correct order. Both the brain and the nervous system are affected; however, it may only affect speech, complex tasks, facial movements or limbs.
  • Social communication disorder Social communication disorder encompasses difficulties with verbal and nonverbal communication in social situations. A person may have trouble switching contexts, following unspoken rules or understanding ambiguity.
  • Central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) — This type of disorder can affect the way a person processes sounds, language and rhythm. It especially affects complex sound landscapes and fine details. A person with CAPD may have a harder time listening or understanding when someone is talking too fast or in settings with a lot of background noise.
  • Articulation disorders — Like dysarthria, children or adults with articulation disorders have problems producing certain sounds. They might change certain sounds or substitute one sound for another. Or they might add certain sounds where they don’t belong or leave them out of their speech altogether.
  • Phonological disorders Phonological disorders affect a child’s ability to put complex sounds together. The difference from those with articulation disorders is that these children may be able to make individual sounds. However, they have difficulty combining them. They may drop the first or last sound in a word to simplify it. Or they might replace certain sounds for others.
  • Language disorders Language disorders can affect the form, content or function of verbal communication. Someone with a language disorder may have trouble applying linguistic rules or exceptions.
  • Fluency disorders Fluency disorders like stuttering affect the rate, rhythm and repetition of speech sounds. A fluency disorder might also involve tension and mannerisms.
  • Resonance disorders — These are physical disorders that affect the resonance of a person’s voice. A cleft palate or swollen tonsils, for example, can cause resonance disorders.

What therapies can help young children with speech & communication disorders?

Speech therapy addresses the impacts of speech and communication on many life areas. Speech language pathologists (SLPs) may specialize in working with certain groups of people or types of disorders. It’s important to find a speech therapist who’s a good fit.

SLPs use a wide range of therapies and approaches. Sometimes they teach strategies to compensate for communication difficulties. They may use computers and alternative or augmentative communication aids like alphabet boards. In some situations, group therapies or sessions in different environments can be helpful. Speech therapy can incorporate psychosocial interventions to address social and emotional well-being.

Find education and speech & communication disorder therapy under one roof at Ability KC

Receiving therapy and education under one roof is about much more than convenience. Teachers at our therapeutic preschool have plenty of experience. They understand that children with these disorders might not learn things in a particular order. The Mary Shaw Branton Therapeutic Preschool is a supportive environment where children can learn at their own pace. We have a 1-to-4 provider-to-student ratio. Our staff members care about creating great learning experiences for every student.

At Ability KC, we welcome both children with and without disabilities. All students are taught to be courteous and kind to one another. Additionally, we offer specialized pediatric programs for children requiring more intensive care or therapy outside of a school environment. You can rest assured that your child will be in good hands at our facility. Ability KC is a designated Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility (CORF) and holds accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

Are you looking for a preschool or therapy program that takes a comprehensive approach to wellness and development? Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.