Chapter Summary:
Chapter 8 explains that communication is any interaction that transmits information. Narrating, explaining, informing, requesting, and expressing are major communicative functions. A communication disorder is “an impairment in the ability to receive, send, process, and comprehend concepts or verbal, nonverbal and graphic symbol systems” (ASHA, 1993, p. 40). You will also learn about the characteristics, prevalence, causes, identification, assessment, and educational approached of children with communication disorders.
Learning Outcomes:
• Identify and provide examples of four major functions of communication.
• Describe the characteristics of each of the following communication disorders: speech sound errors, fluency disorders, voice disorders, and language disorders.
• Explain why the number of children with speech and language impairments is much higher than the number of children who receive services under the speech or language impairment category.
• Describe and identify causes of primary types of speech and language impairments.
• List the major components of a comprehensive evaluation used to detect the presence and extent of a communication disorder.
• Identify the basic goals and common elements of effective interventions for speech-sound errors and language disorders.
• Explain how the speech-language pathologist’s role changes as a function of the setting in which a child with communication disorders is served.
Reflection Questions:
1. When does a communication difference become a communication disorder?
2. What are the advantages of obtaining language samples from a child in a conversational rather than a structured or directed context? Why should children’s language be assessed during their interactions with parents, other adults, and peers?
3. What is the best way for a teacher to teach language skills? What problem does practice present for classroom teachers? What challenges do speech and language therapists have in meeting the needs of their students?
Chapter Activity:
1. Watch the video, Communication Disorders: An Introductory Guide for Teachers.
Answer the following questions:
What is a communication disorder?
How can early identification help students with a communication disorder?
How can teachers and support staff support students with a communication disorder?