Sometimes you may have noticed that some young children have difficulty speaking when they first start speaking, and their words are slurred. Also, some adults, after an illness, especially a stroke , cannot speak clearly and coherently. This can be a very sad and distressing experience for the person and their caregivers. So today we are talking about these speech difficulties, or as they are medically called , Speech Impairment .
What is Speech Impairment?
Simply put, a speech disorder is a condition in which a person has difficulty speaking normally, in a normal tone, or at a normal speed. This makes it difficult for them to communicate effectively with others. These people may not pronounce some sounds in words correctly, or may even skip some sounds altogether.
There is an important thing we should not confuse here. That is, 'Speech' and 'Language' are two different things.
- Speech refers to the physical process we use to speak. That is, to produce sounds using our jaws, tongue, lips, and vocal chords .
- Language is the system of words, symbols, and rules we use to express ideas.
Think of speech as the engine, tires, and steering wheel of a car. Language is like the rules of the road and signs that we need to know to drive a car. Even if the car is in good condition, if we don't know the rules of the road, we can't drive properly. Even if we know the rules well, if there is a problem with the car, we can't drive. Sometimes both of these problems can occur together. A speech disorder is like a mechanical defect in that car.
Having a speech impediment does not affect a person's intelligence or knowledge. It is simply a problem with the process of producing sounds.
In general, speech disorders can be divided into three main categories.
| Type of disorder | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Fluency Disorder | Problems with the speed, fluency, and continuity of speech. Stuttering, which we are all familiar with, is a good example of this. |
| Voice Disorder | Abnormalities in the tone, pitch, quality, or volume of the voice. |
| Articulation Disorder | Inability to pronounce certain sounds correctly. Distortion or complete omission of sounds occurs. |
What are the main types of speech disorders?
Speech disorders can begin in childhood and persist into adulthood. Or they can develop after an accident or illness (e.g. stroke). Let's look at the main types of these.
| Name of the disorder | What happens with this? |
|---|---|
| Childhood Apraxia of Speech | This can affect a child as soon as they start talking. This is when there is a problem with the signals coming from the brain to the mouth, tongue, and lips, causing the child to be unable to move them properly to produce sounds. |
| Dysarthria | As the muscles used for speech weaken, they become unable to form words properly. Speech becomes unclear and slurred. |
| Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD) | The muscles of the face and tongue work in an abnormal pattern. These people may also have difficulty breathing through their nose. |
| Speech Sound Disorders | It's normal for young children to mispronounce some letters when they're learning to speak. But if they continue to mispronounce letters even after 4-5 years, it can be a problem. |
| Stuttering | Repetition of words or sounds (e.g., "A... A... Mom") without control. This condition can be exacerbated by feelings of stress and fear. |
| Voice Disorders | The voice becomes "lost" or hoarse due to overexertion. This also includes things like persistent coughing and vocal cord dysfunction. |
Other health problems that affect speech disorders
In addition to problems that occur in childhood, speech disorders can also occur in adulthood for various reasons. These are especially common after an illness, accident, or surgery. Among these, the most common are conditions called `Dysarthria` and `Aphasia`.
| Status | Description and reasons |
|---|---|
| Aphasia | This is a language disorder. It is the loss of the ability to understand and use spoken or written words. It occurs when damage occurs to the part of the brain that controls language. Reasons:
|
| Dysarthria | This is a speech disorder. It means that due to a problem in the nervous system, the muscles needed to speak are no longer controlled. Speech becomes slurred. Reasons:
|
In addition, voice changes can also occur due to cancerous or non-cancerous nodules in the vocal cords.
How can we help someone like this?
Living with a speech impediment can be a very frustrating and embarrassing experience for the person, so it's important to be very patient and understanding when talking to someone like that.
You can follow these instructions:
- When you speak , speak slowly and clearly . Use hand signals if necessary.
- Keep the environment calm . Turn down the volume of the television or radio.
- Use simple sentences when you speak.
- Give them enough time to talk. Don't try to finish their sentences or speak for them. Listen patiently.
- Speak in your normal voice . No need to shout.
- If you have difficulty speaking and understanding, keep a pen and paper nearby to jot down your thoughts.
It is also important to be aware of the stress, anger, and frustration that comes with living with this condition. You can also talk to your doctor about this and seek the help of a mental health counselor if necessary.
Take-Home Message
- A speech impediment is a condition that can affect anyone of any age, child or adult. It is not their fault or a lack of intelligence.
- There are many different types of speech disorders, from stuttering to loss of voice. There are many different causes for them.
- If you notice any abnormalities or difficulties in your child's or a family member's speech, the best thing to do is to see a doctor. They will work to find the cause and, if necessary, refer you to a Speech and Language Therapist.
- It is very important to be patient, understanding, and kind when communicating with someone with this type of disability.
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