Healthinmind/Mental Health Disorders/Infant, Child and Adolescent Disorders

Communication Disorders

There are several types of communication disorders; most of them involve difficulties in expression, for example stuttering or deficits in grammar or vocabulary. 

The subtypes of communication disorder are: 

Expressive Disorder
Mixed Receptive-expressive Disorder
Phonological Disorder
Stuttering Disorder
Not otherwise specified. 

Those with Expressive Disorder have scores on tests of expressive language development substantially below what would be expected on the basis of their development in nonverbal areas and in receptive language development. 

Expressive Disorder is often accompanied by Phonological Disorder, which involves deficits in the ability to use the sounds of language appropriately to an extent that interferes significantly with academic or occupational achievement, or with social relationships. 

Mixed Receptive-expressive Disorder is just what the name implies, marked by difficulty with both receptive and expressive uses of language. Finally, we all know very well what stuttering is, whether or not we are good at putting it into words.

Stuttering is a serious disturbance in the fluency with which the individual speaks. It involves blocking - an inability to "get words out"- repetitions of sounds, prolongation of sounds, etc. 

The web site of the American Speech-Language- Hearing Association has access to self-help groups, professionals, and information about several communication disorders (not just those involving children). 

                                                                                                                                Last updated  12/19/03