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Also Known As: Autistic disorder, autism spectrum disorder, Asperger syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder System Affected: Brain, psychic-emotional system Definition: A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairment in emotional expression and recognition, difficulty with social relationships, delayed and/or abnormal language and communication, and preoccupation with repetitive, stereotyped behaviors or interests Causes: Unknown Symptoms: Difficulty with social relationships, language, and communication; preoccupation with repetitive or stereotyped behaviors and interests; general resistance to changes in routine Treatments: Behavior modification, social skills training, music therapy, speech/language therapy, occupational therapy |
Speech & Articulation Disorders
| Speech disorders fall into three main categories: problems associated with speech production, difficulties of articulation, and dysfunction in the ability to utilize language. |
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Articulation disorders: Inappropriate sequential movement of the jaw, tongue, and related speech structures. Examples include cleft palate and neurologic dysfunction. |
| Fluency disorders: Stuttering, speech rate problems, and speech rhythm problems. The best-known language disorders are the aphasias, which are characterized by poor language comprehension and childhood language impairment (often resulting from developmental problems). Dementia can impair speech at any age, but it is most common in the elderly, for whom memory, language, and cognitive ability may be greatly impaired. |
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Voice disorders: Inappropriate pitch, sound quality (for example, hoarseness), lack of audibility, or inappropriate loudness. occur when the phonatory mechanism is dysfunctional, including an undersized larynx, misformed vocal cords, and hearing problems. |
| Language disorders: Diminished ability to use or to understand spoken language. In children, these disorders are often identified as language delay or development aphasias. They are most often thought to be attributable to developmental disabilities, hearing loss, or autism. |
ASHA President Theresa Rodgers discusses the importance of early identification and treatment of communication disorders.
Morgan Foley discusses signs of Autism in girls, gender socialization theory, and why autism presents differently in girls, and more!
SLP Nerdcast offers ASHA CEUs through podcasts and online learning. They discuss clinical issues and best practices relevant to speech and language pathologists… kind of like a conference in your car.
