Caring Safe Schools Ontario

Communication Disordersn A communication disorder is any disorder and/or delay within the scope ofpractice for a speech-language pathologist and/or audiologist, including but notlimited 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 Pathologistsand Audiologists, 2005b, p. 1)Communication disorders in school-age children are often misdiagnosed as learningdisabilities or behavioural problems, and can be very difficult to treat in later years.Research confirms a direct relationship between language disorders and emotionaland behaviour disorders. Students with behavioural problems are ten times morelikely than other students to have language disorders (Canadian Association ofSpeech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists, 2005b). Research also confirmsthat reading and math deficits co-occur in students with emotional and behaviouraldisorders and language deficits (Getty & Summy, 2006). Communication affectsschool success in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, writing, thinking, andlearning (Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists,n.d.) and plays a significant role in social relationships.Why do social relationships at school suffer when a studenthas a communication disorder?• The student does not understand information that is communicated orcannot express what he or she wants.• Difficulty in understanding information about causes and consequencesmay interfere with the student’s ability to follow everyday routines.• Friendship, which is based on ability to share, is hindered by weaklanguage skills.• The student can become so frustrated by a lack of understanding orinability to communicate effectively that he/she misbehaves.• The student often fails to realize that the message has beenmisunderstood, or the student may be so lost that asking for assistanceis impossible.Understanding Student Behaviour23