Several different types of speech disorders can affect an adult. These disorders include Articulation disorders, Phonological disorders, and Receptive disorders. Many people have difficulty communicating because of these disorders. Other causes of speech problems include medications, neurological conditions, and excessive alcohol consumption. Neurological disorders affect how the brain communicates with the body, resulting in permanent speech problems.
Receptive disorders
A receptive disorder causes speech disorders and affects how you hear and process language. Symptoms include difficulty understanding words or sentences. Children may have trouble completing academic tasks or interacting with peers. These children may also have low self-esteem and may act out emotionally. They may even develop depression if they feel they are not as good as their peers. It is why it is vital to give your child emotional support.
Early intervention is critical for children with these disorders. The best results are seen when therapy begins before symptoms become apparent. Treatment for these disorders will depend on the severity of the child’s disorder and their age. In some cases, treatment may not be necessary, but it is beneficial for the child to receive speech therapy as early as possible.
Receptive language therapy may focus on prepositions, question words, pronouns, figurative language, and inferences. It may include alternative communication methods (AAC) such as picture boards and gestures. Sometimes, computer devices are used to facilitate communication. A speech pathologist will assess the child’s receptive language skills.
Children with receptive disorders often experience problems interacting with other children and cannot understand or follow verbal instructions. It can interfere with their social skills, especially when they don’t know how to respond. Their behaviour may include poor eye contact, tuning out when others speak, or asking to repeat what they said. Receptive disorders are often lifelong and are unrelated to intelligence.
Articulation disorders
Articulation disorders are problems with the way a child makes sounds in their speech. They can be caused by structural defects or problems with articulators’ placement. Children with articulation disorders tend to substitute or change certain sounds in their speech. The result is that their speech could be clearer to understand.
Articulation disorders can also be related to physical issues. If your child has a cleft lip or a cleft palate, they will require specialized speech therapy to correct the defect. It’s also important to know that other problems with the brain can cause some articulation disorders.
Articulation disorders can range from mild to severe. Most often, articulatory disorders are due to structural or underlying disease. Similarly, speech disorders involving the muscles of the face and jaw are caused by a motor disorder, such as dysarthria. A patient with these disorders is likely to have a hoarse voice or slurred speech, depending on the severity of the condition.
Once diagnosed, a child can receive treatment through speech therapy. This therapy includes home practice activities and regular appointments. Therapy aims to improve how a child produces sounds and strengthen the muscles involved in speaking. While these problems can be frustrating, the disorder can improve quickly with the right approach.
Phonological disorders
Phonological disorders are speech disorders caused by a child’s difficulty understanding and using the rules of the sound system. Children with phonological disorders may have difficulty understanding their words, which can lead to difficulty reading and writing. Children with phonological disorders will likely need therapy to develop their ability to use the sound system correctly. They may produce the correct sound for some words but struggle with other sounds or words.
Phonological disorders are often hard to detect in children. It’s natural for a child to mispronounce certain words, but if you notice a child dropping the ‘r’ at the end of a word, they’re likely suffering from a phonological disorder. This disorder can affect the child’s ability to read and spell in later life, so if you notice your child dropping the ‘r’ at an early age, you’ll want to get them evaluated. These disorders are also linked to other health conditions, such as autism and genetic disorders.
A speech therapist will use a combination of techniques to help your child with their speech. A speech therapist may use visual examples to teach your child how to pronounce certain words correctly. It will help your child with articulation and improve their understanding of words and meaning. Parents may also choose speech therapy to improve their child’s language skills, as well as their confidence and social skills.
Muscle weakness
Muscle weakness is one of the most common causes of speech disorders. It is caused by a lack of control over the muscles in the mouth. These muscles are used to form and deliver speech sounds. As a result, speech disorders often result in difficulty expressing ideas. Children affected by muscle weakness struggle with planning their sentences and moving the right muscles to speak effectively. These children can suffer from apraxia and dysarthria, two types of motor speech disorders.
Other causes of muscle weakness in the mouth include neurological diseases, intoxication, and recent oral surgery. In some cases, people may have a weakened jaw or teeth. While the cause of muscle weakness is not always clear, doctors can prescribe medications and perform tests to find out what is causing the disorder. Better to inquire at physioinq.com.au/home/qld/brisbane/speech-pathology for more information about different types of disorders.