Page 25 - CARING and SAFE SCHOOLS in ONTARIO

Communication Disorders
▪ A communication disorder is any disorder and/or delay within the scope of practice for a speech-language pathologist and/or audiologist, including but not limited to the following: speech-language disorders, hearing impairment, vertigo, tinnitus, swallowing, reading and writing disorders, and cognitive disorders (Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists, 2005b).
Common Communication Disorders in Students
• Articulation disorders • Voice problems
• Stuttering
• Language difficulties
(Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists, 2005b, p. 1)
Communication disorders in school-age children are often misdiagnosed as learning disabilities or behavioural problems, and can be very difficult to treat in later years. Research confirms a direct relationship between language disorders and emotional and behaviour disorders. Students with behavioural problems are ten times more likely than other students to have language disorders (Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists, 2005b). Research also confirms that reading and math deficits co-occur in students with emotional and behavioural disorders and language deficits (Getty & Summy, 2006). Communication affects school success in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, writing, thinking, and learning (Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists, n.d.) and plays a significant role in social relationships.
Understanding Student Behaviour
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Why do social relationships at school suffer when a student has a communication disorder?
• The student does not understand information that is communicated or
cannot express what he or she wants.
• Difficulty in understanding information about causes and consequences
may interfere with the student’s ability to follow everyday routines.
• Friendship, which is based on ability to share, is hindered by weak
language skills.
• The student can become so frustrated by a lack of understanding or
inability to communicate effectively that he/she misbehaves.
• The student often fails to realize that the message has been
misunderstood, or the student may be so lost that asking for assistance is impossible.