General Definition
Disorders and tendencies included and excluded under the category of communication disorders may vary by source. For example the definitions offered by the American Speech-language-Hearing Association differ from that of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual 4th edition (DSM-IV).
Gleanson (2001) defines a communication disorder as a speech and language disorder which refers to problems in communication and in related areas such as oral motor function. The delays and disorders can range from simple sound substitution to the inability to understand or use their native language. In general communications disorders commonly refer to problems in speech (comprehension and/or expression) that significantly interfere with an individual’s achievement and/or quality of life. One may find it important to know the operational definition of the agency performing an assessment or giving a diagnosis.
Persons who speak more than one language or are considered to have an accent in their location of residence do not have speech disorders if they are speaking in a manner consistent with their home environment or a blending of their home and foreign environment.
Read more about this topic: Communication Disorder
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