A. Communication disorders are a form of learning disability. B. Categories of communication disorders include expressive language disorder, mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, phonological disorder, and stuttering, each of which affects a child's academic functioning and is listed under DSM IV Axis I (Nevid, 2002). C. Characteristics of communication disorders (Kaplan, 2002): 1.
Expressive Language Disorder In expressive disorders, children perform below expected levels in terms of vocabulary, correct use of tenses, production of complex sentences, and recall of words and sentences. 2. Mixed Receptive-Expressive Language Disorder In this disorder, children experience difficulties in both understanding and expressing language.
3. Phonological Disorder Children with this disorder make errors in sound production, omitting certain sounds such as consonants. 4. Stuttering and Unspecified Communication Disorder Children may exhibit sound repetitions, prolongations, interjections, broken words, blocks, and word substitutions to avoid speech difficulties. D. Therapy Therapies used for individuals with communication disorders include speech therapy and psychological counseling for social anxiety and other emotional issues (Nevid, 2002).
Kaplan (2002) outlines several therapies for children with communication disorders, including behavioral reinforcement exercises and practice with phonemes, vocabulary, sentence construction. Children are given linguistic, speech, and language instructions integrated into various environments collaboratively, along with speech therapy, distraction techniques, suggestion, and relaxation.
E. References: Kaplan, Harold I., Sadock, Benjamin J, Grebb, Jack A. (2002). Synopsis of Psychiatry: Behavioral Sciences/Clinical Psychiatry. Jakarta: Binarupa Aksara. Nevid, Jeffrey S., Rathus, Spencer A., Greene, Beverly. (2002). Abnormal Psychology, Volume Two, Fifth Edition. Jakarta: Erlangga. Edited from my own writing at http://tyaset4.blog.com/2010/02/gangguan-komunikasi/