2. What is a Communication Disorder The term “Communication Disorders" incorporates a wide assortment of struggles in language, speech, and hearing. With communication disorders covering a wide variety of different disorders; a student with a communication disorder may present a variety of characteristics including the inability to follow directions, slow and incomprehensible speech, and pronounced difficulties in syntax and articulation Communication disorder- cannot be defined as one disorder and is broken up with the two major streams being Speech and Language
3. Possible Causes of Communication Disabilities Many believe that communication disorders are genetically based. However other environmental factors have also been attributed to causes including: Drugs being taken during pregnancy STI’s such as syphilis Birthing trauma Most common conditions affecting communication include: Language-based learning disabilities, ADD, ADHD, cerebral palsy, mental disabilities, cleft lip or palate, and autism spectrum disorders
4. Different Categories of Communication Disorders Speech Disorders- impairment of the articulation of fluency, sounds, speech, and/or voice Language Disorders is the impairment of comprehension and/or use of a spoken, written, or other symbol systems Form of Language Phonology Morphology Syntax Content of language Semantics Function of Language Pragmatics Hearing Disorders- is the result of impaired and auditory sensitivity of the physiological auditory system. May limit comprehension, development, and production, and/or maintenance of speech and/or language Deaf Hard of hearing Central Auditory Process Disorders- deficits in the information processing of audible signals not attributed to impaired peripheral hearing sensitivity or intellectual impairment
5. Speech Disorders There are three aspects of a speech disorder to be addressed: Voice, Fluency, and Articulation Voice Disorder Abnormalities of speech related to volume, quality, or pitch Rarely diagnosed in school age children Voice disorders are often clumped with other speech problems to form a complex communication disorder Fluency Disorder Refers to the pattern of the rate and flow of a person’s speech. Examples of this are stuttering and dysfluency Articulation disorder When an individual has difficulties and cannot correctly pronounce one or more sounds An example of an articulation disorder would be an individual having difficulties with the pronouncing of the rsound at the beginning of a word This is the most common speech disorder with approx. 10% of preschool and school aged children having some sort of articulation difficulties
6. Language Disorders Disorders of language affect reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Language disorders can have a serious affect on a students academic performance. There are three elements to language: Form, Content, and Function of language Form of Language Rule system to oral language Phonology Morphology Ex. “friendly”, “unfriendly”, and “friendliness” Syntax Ex. “The man ate a fish.” and “The fish ate a man.” Content of Language Intent and meaning of language Semantics – meaning of words and combination Students are unable to comprehend concrete and abstract meaning of words, metaphorical expressions Function of Language Pragmatics – ways in which context contributes to meaning How formal and informal to be when speaking with specific audiences
7. Characteristics to Look For Speech disorder Language disorder Poor articulation Different voice quality Dysfluencies Slurred conversational speech Has problems following oral directions Speech rambles – unable to express ideas Appears shy, withdrawn, rarely interacts with others Asks questions off topic Has poor sense of humor Has poor comprehension of material read Doesn’t plan ahead Takes things literally Unorganized Doesn’t manage their time
8. Tips To Establish an Inclusive Classroom with Students with Communication Disorders Show understanding, patience, and acceptance Provide extra time where needed Encourage speech practice by having one-on-one conversations with the student about his/her interests Keep lectures clear, simple, pronounced, and in proper language syntax Repeat mispronounced phrases properly as a question so it does not seem like criticism Never mimic a child with a speech disorder Avoid frequently isolating and calling on students with language development problems Make eye contact with the student when listening and speaking Make sure the student speaks in front of the class, answer a question, ect at least once per day Do not tolerate bullying by others Do not point out communication disorders to others in the class Keep the classroom environment relaxed and organized
9. Teaching Strategies Many of the speech problems that are demonstrated by students while they are young can be modified and corrected with therapy There are a number of communication disorders meaning there are many strategies for them, but most can be used for any type of communication disorders. While therapy is taking place strategies for educators can also aid: Encourage students to participate in groups Teach students to reinforce themselves and recognize and appreciate when they are doing well Let students practice skills with peers so when asked to do it in a different situation student is more comfortable Let students record themselves and you to distinguish between right and wrong speech Develop strategies with the student to address those situations which make them most nervous Use real life activities in classroom (have a newscast, make a movie, etc.) Storytelling and class/group reading followed with writing Use music and play games
10. More Strategies Arrangement of classroom and students Sitting student near front of room Budding up students Allowing student to read a graphic novel Use of audio books Giving practice and build up assignments Extra time maybe needed for these students Extra instruction after oral class instruction will most likely be needed Write directions/instruction for things in class around the room with pictures Emphasize what is being said with nonverbal cues, gestures, and facial expressions
11. Technology Assistive Speech Devices and Methods for communication disorders Sign Language Communication Boards Picture Exchange Hand-Held or computer electronic speech devices Books for them to read that help with specific sounds Assistive Hearing Devices Hearing Aids Cochlear Implants FM Devices
12. References Dowdy, Francis, McIntyre, Patton, Polloway, Smith. (2010). Teaching Students with Special Needs in Inclusive Settings: Third Canadian Edition. Pearson Education Canada, Toronto. Keller, E. (2005, April 22). Strategies For Teaching Students With Communication Disorders. Retrieved February 9, 2011, from Google. Kuder, S. Jay (2008) Teaching Students with Language and Communication Disabilities: Third Edition. Pearson Education Canada, Toronto. Plumley, K. (2009, August 27). Communication Disorders in the Classroom. In Suite 101. Retrieved February 9, 2011, from Google.
