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Communication Disorders Explained: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Written by Bloom Healthcare

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Speech Pathology

Communication is at the heart of how we connect, learn, and participate in everyday life. For some people, however, communication can be challenging due to a communication disorder. These disorders can affect a person’s ability to speak, understand, or use language – and they can occur at any age. Communication disorders can impact an individual’s ability to understand, produce, and use language effectively, influencing social interactions and daily functioning. They may affect various forms of communication, including speech, language, hearing, and nonverbal signals. Additionally, family history can be a risk factor for developing communication disorders.

At Bloom Healthcare, we know that communication is more than just words – it’s about confidence, connection, and independence. Our Speech Pathology services support people of all ages in building their communication skills in a way tailored to their goals and needs.

What You Need to Know About Communication Disorders

A communication disorder is when someone has difficulty understanding, producing, or using spoken, written, oral communication, or non-verbal communication. These challenges may be temporary or ongoing, mild or severe. Communication disorders can also affect symbol systems, such as written language, sign language, or other graphic symbols used to convey meaning. Importantly, with the right support, many people can improve their skills and find effective ways to express themselves. Achieving effective communication is a key goal of intervention and support for individuals with communication disorders.

Types of Communication Disorders

There are several main types of communication disorders. Many communication disorders are considered developmental disorders and are often identified in childhood due to developmental concerns. These disorders can also co-occur with other communication disorders or developmental disorders. Each one affects people differently, and usually requires specialist support from a speech pathologist.

1. Speech Disorders

Speech disorders affect how sounds are formed and spoken. Common examples include:

Articulation disorders: difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, e.g. saying “wabbit” instead of “rabbit”, often involving challenges with specific speech sounds.
Phonological disorders: patterns of errors in speech, such as leaving out sounds.
Speech sound disorder: difficulty with articulation and forming speech sounds.
Fluency disorders: interruptions to the flow of speech, like stuttering. These include onset fluency disorder and childhood onset fluency disorder, which typically begin in early childhood and affect a child’s speech. A fluency disorder is characterised by disruptions in the flow of speech, such as repetitions or prolongations.
Voice disorders: problems with pitch, loudness, or quality of the voice, such as hoarseness or strain. A voice disorder affects vocal quality, pitch, or loudness and is distinct from other speech disorders.

Speech sound disorders involve persistent difficulties with producing speech sounds and combining them, which can impact the clarity of speech. Difficulties with sound combinations and the sound system can affect how clearly a person is understood.

2. Language Disorders

A language disorder affects a person’s ability to understand or use words to communicate. They can impact both spoken and written language. Types include:

Receptive language disorders: difficulty understanding words or sentences.
Expressive language disorders: difficulty putting thoughts into words, limited vocabulary, difficulty forming sentences, or finding the right word.
Mixed receptive-expressive disorders: a combination of both challenges.

Language disorders can impact language skills such as understanding, using, and organising words and sentences.

3. Social Communication Disorders

Social communication disorder refers to difficulties in using language appropriately in social settings. According to the diagnostic manual, specifically the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5), the manual provides clear criteria for diagnosing social communication disorder and distinguishing it from other disorders and mental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual outlines the symptoms and classification of social communication disorder, ensuring standardised diagnosis. Social communication disorder can also co-occur with other disorders, making an accurate diagnosis essential for effective support.

These affect how people use language in social settings. For example:

Difficulty taking turns in conversations
Challenges understanding body language or tone of voice
Trouble adapting communication style to different situations (e.g. speaking differently to a teacher than to a friend)

Social communication disorders are common in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but they can also occur for other reasons.

4. Cognitive-Communication Disorders

These issues occur when communication difficulties are associated with problems in thinking skills, such as memory, attention, or problem-solving. They may occur after:

Brain injury
Stroke
Neurological conditions (such as dementia)

5. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Needs

Some people may not use speech as their primary means of communication. Instead, they may use:

Picture boards
Communication devices
Gestures or sign language

AAC is not a disorder itself, but rather a method to support people who require alternative means of communication to communicate effectively.

AAC may also be helpful for individuals with an unspecified communication disorder, where the exact nature of the communication difficulty is not clearly categorised.

Diagnosis and Assessment of Communication Disorders

Accurate diagnosis is the first step toward helping individuals overcome communication challenges. A thorough assessment looks at every aspect of a person’s communication, including both verbal and nonverbal communication skills. This process helps to identify specific speech disorders, language disorders, and hearing disorders that may be affecting an individual’s ability to connect with others.

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) sets the standard for how communication disorders should be diagnosed and treated. According to ASHA, a comprehensive evaluation should be carried out by a qualified speech-language pathologist (SLP). These professionals are trained to assess all areas of communication, from how a person produces speech sounds to how they understand and use language in daily life.

During an assessment, the speech-language pathologist may employ a range of tools and techniques to evaluate and measure a person’s speech, language, and hearing abilities. This can include structured tests, informal observations, and input from family members or teachers. The goal is to get a complete picture of the individual’s strengths and areas of need, whether the concern is related to speech, language, or hearing.

Early and accurate diagnosis is essential, as it allows for the development of a personalised treatment plan that addresses the unique needs of each person. With the guidance of a speech-language pathologist and the support of organisations like the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, individuals with communication disorders can access the right resources to improve their communication and quality of life.

Why Support Matters

Communication is essential for learning, building relationships, and independence. Without support, communication disorders can impact education, employment, and social inclusion. With the right intervention, however, people can develop new skills, strategies, and confidence. Early intervention is crucial for effectively treating communication disorders and improving long-term outcomes.

That’s where Bloom Healthcare comes in. Our Speech Pathology team includes experienced speech language pathologists who play a key role in service delivery. They are trained to diagnose communication disorders and provide targeted therapy to support and strengthen communication – always in a way that aligns with personal goals and NDIS plan.

Key Takeaways

Communication disorders can affect speech, language, speech and language, hearing disorder, social skills, or thinking-related communication.
They can range from mild to severe, and may be lifelong or temporary.
Speech pathologists play a vital role in assessment, therapy, and ongoing support.
At Bloom Healthcare, we provide personalised, evidence-based Speech Pathology services to empower people to communicate with confidence.

Everyone deserves to feel heard and understood. If you or a loved one is experiencing communication challenges, support is available. At Bloom Healthcare, our caring and experienced team is here to help you find your voice and thrive.

Learn more about our Speech Pathology services here.

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