Communication disorders

A communication disorder is any problem with speech, language (including expressive and receptive) or hearing. The most common communication disorders in children are:

• delays in speech and language acquisition
• slow or unclear speech
• problems making sounds
• speech dyspraxia 
• stuttering
• unusual word ordering
• voice problems (hoarseness, breathiness, or sudden changes in loudness or pitch)
• hearing impairments
• cleft lip and/or palate
• autism.

It’s usually not possible to find the cause of a communication disorder, but research suggests that the following could be responsible: stroke, brain injury or drugs taken during pregnancy. Communication disorders are often linked to other conditions such as intellectual disability or cerebral palsy. 

Delays in speech can be caused by hearing impairment. A child with a hearing impairment may ask you to repeat questions, or might drop the beginnings and endings of words or have difficulty following conversations.

The following professionals can help: child health nurse, genetic counsellor, audiologist, educational advisor (or teacher), speech pathologist.

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