A COMMUNICATION DISORDER CAN AFFECT ALL ASPECTS OF OUR LIVES

A speech and language assessment is necessary to identify the need for therapy. Generally, abnormal speech is one which:

1.	Draws attention to the speaker
2.	Causes distress
3.	Interferes with communication
4.	Interferes with learning or school performance.

The most common communication disorders are:

1.	Articulation and phonology (pronunciation)
2.	Limited vocabulary (word-finding)
3.	Restricted sentence length and grammar
4.	Poor use of language (pragmatics)
5.	Non-vocalizations (only cries or gestures to communicate)
6.	Auditory and language processing, and attention deficits
7.	Stuttering and other non-fluencies
8.	Those associated with specific disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Sensory Integration Deficit, Language Learning Disability, Aphasia (stroke), Parkinson’s Disease, Dementia.

Speech therapy involves weekly sessions that consist of one-to-one therapy with the speech-language pathologist and a comprehensive home program involving the parents and/or caregiver to maximize carryover between therapy sessions.

The medium of play is used with young children to achieve therapy goals. An integral component of a therapy program includes informational and emotional counseling with full participation by the parents or guardians.