Exploring The Role Of Communication Disorders In Students

Communication Disorders Defined

Communication is the sharing of information between two individuals or among more than two individuals. Communicative functions include requesting, rejecting, commenting, arguing, reasoning, and so on. A communication disorder is an impairment in the ability to receive, send, process, and comprehend concepts or verbal, nonverbal and graphic symbol systems. A communication disorder may involve language or speech or both and the disorders impair communicative functions. A communication disorder may range in intensity from mild to severe. It may be developmental or acquired. Individuals may demonstrate one or any combination of communication disorders. A communication disorder may result in a primary disability or it may be secondary to other disabilities.
Differences and Prevalence

Teachers must tread lightly when noticing the difference between actual language disorders and language differences. A student whose native language is different from the teachers may very well struggle in class. This does not mean this student has a language disorder. While it may seem like the opposite because the student is
learning and developing much slower than the other students, it is not a sure fact that the student has a language disorder. Many teachers may see a lot of communication disorders being that communication disorders are one of the most prevalent disorders among children.
Early Intervention and Transition
If a child is a late talker or has other challenges with communication, early intervention will likely be recommended.
Early intervention is based on early language development and usually involves working with delayed language. During early intervention, a speech-language pathologist can work with the child and the parents to develop communication goals and objectives for the child to meet. These goals are usually updated at least every six months because of the fact that young children can change very quickly during their developmental growth spurts. As the child becomes an adult, a transition process may be necessary to move onto adulthood and the responsibilities that come along with it. The transition process involves helping students with communication disorders use the language demanded for successful
employment.
Educational Considerations
Students with communication disorders must be taken into account when teaching a class, no matter what subject is being taught. When considering the students with communication disorders in an educational classroom, the teachers must work with all of the students and other professionals, such as a special educator, in three main areas, which include facilitating the social uses of language, question asking, and teaching literacy. Students with communication disorders will often times have a difficult time when trying to learning how to read and write. Teachers also must take into consideration the many options on how to assess these individuals with communication disorders. Assistive technology can be a major help to students with a physical disability concerning a communication disorder.
Major Disorders of Language and Speech
Language disorders or language impairments are disorders that involve the processing of linguistic information. Problems that may be experienced can involve grammar (syntax and/or morphology), semantics (meaning), or other aspects of language. These problems may be receptive (involving impaired language comprehension), expressive (involving language production), or a combination of both. Examples include specific language impairment and aphasia, among others. Language disorders can affect both spoken and written language, and can also affect sign language; typically, all forms of language will be impaired. On the other hand, speech disorders or speech impediments are a type of communication disorders where 'normal' speech is disrupted. This can mean stuttering, lisps, etc. Someone who is unable to speak due to a speech disorder is considered mute.