Communication Disorders

Communication Disorder

• Is an impairment in the ability to receive, send, process, and comprehend concepts or verbal, nonverbal and graphic symbol systems. A communication disorder may be evident in the processes of hearing, language, and/or speech. A communication disorder may range in severity from mild to profound.

Teaching Students with Communication Disorder

• Develop a procedure for students to ask for help
• Encourage participants in classroom activities and discussions
• Use gestures that support understanding
• Speak directly to the student

Autism spectrum Disorder

• Is a serious neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs a child's ability to communicate and interact with others. It also includes restricted repetitive behaviors, interests and activities. These issues cause significant impairment in social, occupational and other areas of functioning.

Teaching students w/ Autism spectrum disorder

• Be patient
• Be direct, concrete, and to the point (to many directions are confusing)
• Maintain routine and structure as predictable routines promote success
• Have exceptions and monthly lessons so that the students are exposed to grade level material

Teaching students who stutter

• Don't tell the student to slow down or "just relax"
• Don't complete words for the student or talk for him or her
• Help all members of the class learn to take turns talking and listening.
• Expect the same quality and quantity of work
• Speak with the student in an unhurried way

Psychological perspective of communication

• Is the result of a synthesis of cognitive and behavioral psychology theories. ... The receiver's interest, of course, could be affected by external qualities of the subject of communication or sender, as well as internal interests, beliefs, and cognitive processing capacities.

Medical perspective of communication disorder

• Many disorders can affect our ability to speak and communicate. They range from saying sounds incorrectly and being unable to speak or understand speech. Causes include: Hearing disorders and deafness, voice problems, developmental disabilities, learning disorders, autism spectrum disorder, brain injury, stroke
• Some speech and communication problems may be genetic. Often, no one knows the cause. By 1st grade about 5% of children have noticeable speech disorders.

Helping children with communication disorders

• In a classroom allow them more time to complete assignments, and tests.
• Using peer assistance when appropriate.
• Creating tests that are specifically for each student.
• Always ask before providing assistance.
• Have the student sit near you for easier access when the student needs help