Communication Disorders- Speech and Lanugage

Definition:

Communication disorders- encompasses a wide variety of problems in language, speech, and hearing. Speech and language impairments include articulation problems, voice disorders, fluency problems (such as stuttering), aphasia (difficulty in using words, usually as a result of a brain injury), and delays in speech and/or language.
Speech and language delays may be due to many factors, including environmental factors or hearing loss.Many communication disorders result from other conditions such as learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, or cleft lip or cleft palate.
Three basic types of speech impairment are articulation disorders
-errors in production of speech sounds
-fluency disorders *difficulties with flow or rhythm of speech
-voice disorders *problems with the quality or use of one's voice

Implications in Teaching

I think that Spoken language is very important to do while teaching, it provides the foundation for the development of reading and writing. Spoken and written language have a reciprocal relationship – each builds on the other to result in general language and literacy competence.
I think that when teaching these children it is important that the child knows that he needs to make the corrects sounds as well as possible. Speech pathologist should work with the child on his or her speech. Also, having the child record and listen to himself will help the student see what sounds he is missing. I know it is extremely hard on these students. As a elementary teacher I will give print outs of words and have time to go through each and every letter with the student to help them pronounce the word correctly. If a child cannot speak out I could provide a microphone for him to talk through to amplify his sounds.

Specific Technologies
Voice Recorders- to record their voices so they can replay back to themselves.
Microphones- to amplify their voices.
Speech Recognition Technology to help students be able to learn on the computer.
Hand held speech Devices- talks to students in instructional methods.

Annotated References
1. http://www.comeunity.com/disability/speech/communication.html
great definitions and ways to help these students.
2. http://www.kidsource.com/Kidsource/content2/language_disorders
a website for children’s parents
3. ttp://emedicine.medscape.com/article/317758-overview
has a great deal of information on this disorder.
4. http://www.readingrockets.org/article/5128
answers many different questions on this disorder
5. http://www.gusinc.com/
a site for hand help speech devices