Children Speech Disorders - What Are the Types of Speech Disorders?

Articulation is the most common type of speech disorder among children. Disorders of articulation are characterized by the omission, distortion, or substitution of speech sounds.

"Tootie" instead of "cookie," "wed" instead of "red," "thop" or "top" instead of "stop" - these are examples of common articulatory errors that can be easily overcome with a speech therapy at home.

Sometimes only one or two sounds are defective, but sometimes there are so many errors that the speech is unintelligible to everyone with the possible exception of the parents.

Voice problems are not as common as articulatory problems. They include voices that are too high or too low in pitch, too loud or not loud enough, voices that are harsh, breathy, nasal or otherwise unpleasant, and voices that are monotonous - that is, lacking in flexibility of expression.

Problems of the understanding and use of words constitute another speech or language disorder. Words, of course, are symbols; they "stand for" or represent something. What the word "cat" means to you depends upon all of the past experiences that you associate with that symbol.

A child may know that this small animal likes milk, catches mice, has soft fur, and purrs when it is petted and still be unable to associate or "connect" the word "cat" with the animal.

Children who have difficulty in understanding or using words are sometimes referred to as "aphasoid."

Stuttering is probably the speech disorder that causes parents the most anxiety. Some writers believe that it is this very anxiety that contributes to the child's problem.

This disorder is usually thought of in terms of hesitations in the flow of speech, repetitions of sounds, words, or phrases, and facial grimaces or tensions. Although there is much more involved in the problem of stuttering than a description of the symptoms, it is these observable symptoms that cause parents to become concerned.

The classification of speech disorders given above is based on symptoms, without consideration for the cause. Under this system a child with a cleft palate, or other physiological defect, would be said to have an articulation problem, a voice problem, or both, depending upon his own speech needs.

Tips on How to Stop Stuttering and Stammering

Stuttering and stammering is a speech impediment that a lot of people have. To the average person, they wouldn't assume that living with this problem is that difficult, but it is. If you suffer from stuttering or stammering, then you know how hard life can be.

For those with these types of speech impediments, they cannot communicate properly with other people. They trip over every word that comes out of their mouth and the more it happens, the more nervous and flustered they become. If you have ever been in a situation such as a job interview or a date and your stuttering becomes an issue, it is a moment you never forget because you are so embarrassed.

If you are suffering from extreme cases of stuttering and stammering then there are some things you can do. Some tips on how to stop stuttering and stammering include speaking in front of a mirror. If you can get some practice time speaking in front of a mirror, you will be able to get a feel for how the words are supposed to roll off of your tongue. Another tip on how to stop stuttering is to take a class such as yoga. Yoga will help to put your nerves at ease so you will be able to talk with confidence and composure. If you are able to control your nerves, then you will be able to control the pace that you speak at. Then you will be able to impress anyone with your speaking skills and how you speak with ease.

Dyslexia - Understanding the Types and Symptoms

Some people in the world deal with dyslexia as a part of their daily life. Depending on their symptoms, from mild to severe, you may or may not know they are coping with a learning disorder. There is a wide range of manifestations of this disease.

It would be impossible to define the typical dyslexic, because no such individual exists. What dyslexics do share in common is that their brain has difficulty processing and connecting visual or audio cues.

It generally causes problems for the individual in spelling, reading, and writing, but can also manifest as the inability to make connections or develop definitions. Dyslexia is the result of a neurological malfunction in the brain.

In general we can identify two kinds of dyslexia. One is genetic and is transferred with your genetic composition. The other type of dyslexia may result from some type of brain damage to the left hemisphere of the brain. This is the area of the brain associated with language.

The important thing, at this point, is to investigate the causes and effects of dyslexia, so that we can better understand the disease and help those who have it better manage its effect on their lives.

Understanding the disease is the first key. We must continue to research to find out how the learning disability develops and ways of preventing it. The second most important thing is to train individuals and the public about the disease.

Once you can understand the disease, you can go to treatment. While there is no cure for the condition, there are many strategies that can be put in place immediately to help work with and minimize the effects.

What is important is to practice patience and understanding with the affected person. Your demeanor will have a large impact on the success on any treatment and future successes.