Introduction
A speech disorder refers to a person unable to produce speech sounds correctly or fluently, or has problems with his or her voice. Difficulties pronouncing sounds, or articulation disorders, and stuttering are examples of speech disorders.
http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/
Task
- Symptoms of Speech disorder
- Causes of spech disorder
- Diagnosis of speech disorder
Process
Symptoms of Speech Disorder
Depending on the cause of the speech disorder, several symptoms may be present. Common symptoms experienced by people with speech disorders are:
- repeating sounds (most often seen in people who stutter)
- adding extra sounds and words
- elongating words
- making jerky movements while talking (usually involving the head)
- blinking several times while talking
- visible frustration when trying to communicate
- taking frequent pauses when talking
- distorting sounds when talking
- hoarseness (raspy or gravely sounding voice)
Causes of Speech Disorder
Speech disorders affect the vocal cords, muscles, nerves, and other structures within the throat.
Causes may include:
- vocal cord damage
- brain damage
- muscle weakness
- respiratory weakness
- strokes
- polyps or nodules on the vocal cords
- vocal cord paralysis
People who have certain medical or developmental conditions may also have speech disorders. Common conditions that can lead to speech disorders are:
- autism
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- strokes
- oral cancer
- laryngeal cancer
- Huntington’s disease
- dementia
Diagnosis
The Denver articulation screening examination is the most commonly used testing system to diagnose speech disorders. This test evaluates the clarity in pronunciation in children between the ages of 2 and 7. This five-minute test uses various exercises to assess the child’s speech.
Early Language Milestones Scale 2
This test determines a child’s language development. This test can quickly identify delayed speech or language disorders.
Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test Revised
This test measures a person’s vocabulary and ability to speak. The person will listen to various words and choose pictures that describe the words. People who have severe intellectual disabilities and those who are blind will not able to take this assessment. The Peabody picture vocabulary test has been revised many times since its first version was administered in 1959.
Evaluation
Can you identify someone with a speech disorder?
Are they different from you?
Conclusion
Many person have difficulty with communication at some time in their lives. While most children will eventually catch up, some will continue to have problems. Communication disorders include speech disorders and language disorders.A child with a speech disorder may have difficulty with articulation, voice, resonance or fluency; however, it does not make him any less of human being with emotions. It is thus necessary to treat them with respect and consideration