Communication Disorders Flashcards
list the communication disorders
language disorder
speech sound disorder
childhood onset fluency disorder (stuttering)
social (pragmatic) communication disorder
unspecified communication disorder
how many criteria are there for language disorder
4 (A, B, C, D)
what is criterion A for language disorder
persistent difficulties in the acquisition and use of language across modalities (spoken, written, sign, other) due to deficits in comprehension or production that include the following:
- reduced vocabulary (word knowledge and use)
- limited sentence structure (ability to put words and word endings together to form sentences based on the rules of grammar and morphology )
- impairments in discourse (ability to use vocabulary and connect sentences to explain or describe a topic or series of events or have a conversation)
what is criterion B for language disorder
language abilities are substantially and quantifiably below those expected for age, resulting in functional limitations in effective communication, social participation, academic achievement or occupational performance, individually or in any combination
what is criterion C for language disorder
onset of symptoms in the early developmental period
what is criterion D for language disorder
difficulties not attributable to hearing or other sensory impairment, motor dysfunction, or another medical or neurological condition and are not better explained by intellectual disability or global developmental delay
what is expressive language ability
the production of vocal, gestural or verbal signals
what is receptive language ability
process of receiving and comprehending language messages
why do both expressive and receptive language modalities need to be assessed
may differ in severity
what aspects of speech does language disorder usually impair
vocabulary and grammar–> which then limits the capacity for discourse
how does language disorder usually present
childs first words or phrases are likely to be delayed in onset
vocabulary size is smaller and less varied than expected
sentences are shorter and less complex with grammatical errors, especially in the PAST TENSE
there may be word finding problems, impoverished verbal definitions, or poor understanding or synonyms, multiple meanings or word play appropriate for age and culture
are language deficits usually over or underestimated
usually underestimated, as kids are good as using context to infer meaning
in language disorder, how are difficulties with discourse often demonstrated
shown by a reduced ability to provide adequate information about the ket events and to narrate a coherent story
in language disorder, how are problems with remembering new words often demonstrated
difficulties following instructions of increasing length, difficulties rehearsing strings of verbal info (i.e phone number, shopping list), difficulties remembering novel sound sequences
how is a diagnosis of language disorder made
based on the:
synthesis of the individuals history
direct clinical observation in different contexts
and scores from standardized tests of language ability which can guide estimates of severity
what is the relationship between family history and language disorder
a positive family history of language disorders is often present in those presenting with language disorder
what social indicators may prompt referral for a full language assessment (r/o language disorder)
being shy or reticent to talk
preference to communicate only with family members or other familiar individuals
*not diagnostic but if notable and persistent, want to rule out language disorder
when does the adult level of language competency appear
adolescence
by what age are individual differences/variations in language acquisition more stable (with better measurement accuracy i.e in assessing language disorder)
by age 4 years
differences by this age are easier to measure and more predictive of later outcomes
language disorder diagnosed from age 4 years is likely to be stable over time and typically persists into adulthood
what are some prognostic factors in the assessment of language disorder
children with RECEPTIVE language impairments have a POORER prognosis than those with predominantely expressive impairments
(they are more resistant to treatment, and difficulties with reading comprehension are frequently seen)
list the general ddx for language disorder
normal variations in language
hearing or other sensory impairment
intellectual disability
neurological disorder
language regression
what is often the presenting feature of intellectual disability
language delay
*the definitive diagnosis of language disorder vs intellectual disability may not be able to be made until the child is able to complete standardizes assessments; separate diagnosis not given unless language deficits are clearly in excess of intellectual limitations
what should you consider if you see language regression in a child younger than 3 years old
may be a sign of ASD (along with developmental regression) or specific neurological condition (i.e landau-kleffner syndrome)
what should you consider if you see language regression in a child older than 3 years
may be symptom of seizures (must assess for epilepsy)
how many criteria are there for speech sound disorder
4
what is criterion A for speech sound disorder
persistent difficulty with speech sound production that interferes with speech intelligibility or prevents verbal communication of messages
what is criterion B for speech sound disorder
disturbance causes limitations in effective communication that interferes with social participation, academic achievement or occupational performance (individually or in combination)
what is criterion C for speech sound disorder
onset of symptoms in early developmental period