Speech & Language Communication Disorders

The speech and language program at Covenant HealthCare provides consultative, diagnostic and therapeutic services to children and adults.

What is a communication disorder?

• When a person is unable to produce speech sounds correctly or fluently, or has problems with his or her voice, then he or she has a speech disorder . Difficulties pronouncing sounds, or articulation disorders, and stuttering are examples of speech disorders.
• When a person has trouble understanding others (receptive language), or sharing thoughts, ideas, and feelings completely (expressive language), then he or she has a language disorder.  A stroke can result in aphasia, or a language disorder.
• Both children and adults can have speech and language disorders. They can occur as a result of a medical problem or have no known cause.

Medical & Developmental Conditions that can cause communication problems:

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Dementia/Alzheimer's Disease
• Huntington's Disease
• Laryngeal Cancer
• Oral Cancer
• Right Hemisphere Brain Injury
• Stroke
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• AttentionDeficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
• Autism
• Cleft palate
• Cerebral palsy

Common communication diagnoses:

• Aphasia:  Difficulty understanding spoken or written language (receptive) and/or difficulty communicating through speech and/or writing (expressive).  Ususally associated with an insult in the left hemisphere of the brain.
• Apraxia:  Motor planning difficulties impacting speech/communication.  automatic or voluntary movements are often unaffected.  (i.e.  counting, common phrases, etc.)
• Dysarthria:  Muscular weakness affecting face, lips, and/or tongue.  Can impact speech and swallowing skills.
• Cognitive deficits:  Difficulty with memory, problem solving, attention span, and/or visual perception.  Usually associated with an inslut to the right hemisphere of the brain.   

 Suggested ways to interact with family members and patients that have a communication deficit:

• Use the person's name and talk directly to them.  If comprehension is a difficulty, keep your speech simple, short, and slow down somewhat.  Speak clearly, but do not shout or use child-like language.  Keep distractions at a minimum.
• Do not speak about the person in front of them, unless you are including them in the conversation.  He/She may understand more than you think.  Be aware of your body language and tone of voice. 
• Give one step directions.  "Sit up."  "Drink your water." versus "Pick up the paper cup on the table and drink the water with your medication." 
• Make sure the person is wearing hearing aids and/or glasses if needed.  Also, make sure they can see you when you are talking.
• Asking yes/no questions may help the person to communicate with you; however, keep in mind that we often expect a 'yes' response to most questions asked.
• Offer choices and show examples when possible.  Example:  "Would you like to drink juice or pop?"  (show the choices).  Encourage the person to point to specific objects.
• Allow extra time for responses and continue to encourage communication.
• Be honest.  If you do not understand what the person is trying to say, say so.  Give them a little time and come back to it later.
• If the person is having difficulty with recall, review the calendar and recent events on a daily basis.  Write down important information for them to reference.

Speech and Language Team
Our pathologists are specialists in communication, its normal development and its disorders. Each professional holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) in speech/language pathology granted by the American Speech/Language Hearing Association.

Helpful Resources
Language Development in Children

Contact Us
For more information, call 989.583.2752.

Locations