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Contents of this page: | |
Alternative names
Articulation deficiency; Voice disorders; DysfluencyDefinition Return to top
Speech disorders include several speech-related problems that result in impaired or ineffective oral communication. Also see speech impairment.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Speech is one of the primary ways we communicate with our environment. It is also an effective way to monitor normal growth and development as well as to identify potential problems.Symptoms Return to top
Dysfluency:Signs and tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
The best treatment is prevention and early intervention by a speech pathologist. Speech training is an involved and time consuming endeavor that can have profound results with consistent treatment.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The prognosis depends on the cause of the disorder. Usually, speech can be improved with speech therapy. Prognosis improves with early intervention.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if your child's speech is not reaching the standard landmarks, if you suspect your child is in a high risk group, or your child is showing other signs of a speech disorder.Prevention Return to top
Since mental retardation and hearing loss are predisposing factors for speech disorders, at-risk infants should be referred to an audiologist for an audiology exam. Audiological and speech therapy can then be started if necessary.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |