Speech and language are complicated processes depending on many systems of the body working in harmony—respiratory, oral motor, auditory, and neurological. Because of this, there are many different types of communication disorders. They can be present at birth or develop later in life. Some of these include:
- Hearing loss and deafness
- Speech fluency problems like stuttering
- Developmental and learning disabilities
- Difficulties with the brain’s ability to recognize or produce words and sounds
- Weakness in muscles of the mouth, or problems coordinating the movements required for articulation
- Cleft lip or palate
- Brain injury and stroke
Medline Plus has compiled useful resources for learning more about these disorders and finding the appropriate treatments and medical care. Visit their site for more information!
