Communication Disorders are disorders that result in deficits in language, speech, and communication. There are five communication disorders in the DSM-5: Language Disorder, Speech Sound Disorder (previously Phonological Disorder), Childhood-Onset Fluency Disorder (Stuttering), Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder, and Unspecified Communication Disorder.
Communication disorders are estimated to have a prevalence of 5% to 10%.
Term | Definition |
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Speech | Speech is the expressive production of sounds. This includes an individual's articulation, fluency, voice, and resonance quality. |
Language | Language includes the form, function, and use of a conventional system of symbols (i.e. - spoken words, sign language, written words, and pictures) in a rule-governed manner for communication. |
Communication | Communication includes any verbal or nonverbal behaviour (intentional or unintentional) that influences the behaviour, ideas, or attitudes of another individual. |