Different Types of Speech Disorders

The good news is that there are many treatment options available for people with speech disorders. These options include speech therapy, speech-language pathology, and physical therapy. In addition, they can help people overcome their speech challenges and improve their communication skills. There are also many types of speech disorders, which makes it important to know which one you have if you want to find the right treatment option.

Articulation disorder

Articulation disorder affects the way a person pronounces sounds, and can be caused by several physical conditions. It may be caused by a defect in the shape or position of the upper lip. It can also be caused by a split or separation of the upper lip or the roof of the mouth. In these cases, specialized speech therapy is needed.

In some cases, a speech pathologist will recommend supplementary treatment from other professionals, including an audiologist or dentist. Treatment is often a combination of various techniques, which a speech pathologist uses to determine the exact cause of the disorder. Sometimes, a child can outgrow the condition on its own.

Dysarthria

If you have trouble speaking or understanding, you should see a doctor or speech therapist. These professionals will test your speech and breathing, as well as help you understand and speak. There are different kinds of speech disorders, and some of them can be treated with different treatments. Some of these conditions are caused by a congenital problem, while others are caused by birth injuries or neurological disorders.

Some of these disorders can lead to speech difficulties and poor respiratory control. For example, speakers with dysarthria experience shallow breathing, a reduced amount of air in their throat, and difficulty in coordinating exhalation and phonation. Other symptoms of dysarthria include nasality and excess slurring of speech sounds. The severity of dysarthria can range from mild slurring to the complete inability to produce words.

Fluency disorder

A fluency disorder is a speech disorder that affects a child’s ability to produce speech sounds smoothly. Children with fluency disorders can experience problems in articulation, difficulty understanding words and sentences, and difficulties with socialization. While the exact causes of fluency disorders are not known, they may be genetic or run in families. They may also happen in combination with other speech disorders. Stress or anxiety can make the symptoms worse. Experts recommend early intervention for children with fluency disorders.

Fluency disorders are often the result of some kind of hearing or neurological problem that affects the way the brain processes sounds and translates the speech. It is common for people with fluency disorders to stutter, clutter, and use “um” and “ah” frequently. Luckily, these disorders are highly treatable with speech therapy.

Receptive disorders

Receptive language disorders can have a wide range of symptoms. They can include difficulty following directions, interpreting words or phrases, and pointing to toes or other objects. If your child has trouble with receptive language, a speech-language pathologist can help them understand how to communicate effectively. He or she will assess the child’s communication skills and observe how he or she interacts with others.

A child suffering from receptive language disorder may have difficulty understanding words and phrases and may appear aloof or uninterested in reading. In addition, their speech may sound foreign and they may frequently ask caregivers to repeat themselves. They may also engage in echolalia, which is the act of parroting words or phrases. Even if they do understand what you are saying, they might not be able to express themselves or communicate their meaning.

Voice disorders

Voice disorders affect a person’s ability to speak normally and can be very disruptive. These disorders can change the pitch, tone, or volume of the voice. While most are temporary and can be resolved with rest, some are more serious and require medical attention. In many cases, voice problems can be caused by a variety of different health issues.

A common voice disorder is spasmodic dysphonia, which is characterized by uncontrollable spasms of the vocal cords. It can result in a breathy, hoarse, or even incoherent voice. The condition may be treated with speech therapy or with injections of botulinum toxin into the vocal cord. Fortunately, this condition is usually treatable if diagnosed early enough.