Communication Disorders

Primer

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.

Epidemiology

Communication disorders are estimated to have a prevalence of 5% to 10%.

Definitions

Communication Definitions

Term Definition
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.