“Communication is the essence of human life.”

Difficulty putting into words thoughts, ideas and feelings. Challenges understanding questions, following directions and conversation.

Commonly referred to as pragmatic language; deficits in the social use of language and nonverbal communication skills

Errors in the production of sounds in words, sentences and conversation.

Stuttering or cluttering defined by long pauses, repetition part or whole words, getting stuck on certain sounds and avoidance of speech altogether.

Vocal fold damage or dysfunction resulting in changes in loudness, quality and/or pitch.

Impact of hearing loss on language and articulation

Cognitive aspects of communication include attention, memory, sequencing, problem solving, executive functioning

Commonly referred to as Dysphagia; oral, pharyngeal, esophageal function related to feeding

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), assistive technologist, communication boards, PECS