Each May, Better Hearing and Speech Month aims to familiarize the public with the nature of communication disorders, as well as with the role of the speech-language pathologist in providing life-altering treatment. To this end, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has recently launched the “Identify the Signs” campaign, designed to address a lack of awareness about communication disorders — a major barrier to treatment for the more than 40 million Americans who suffer from them.
Signs of Speech, Language and Hearing Disorders in Children
Speech, language and hearing disorders are among the most common disabilities in the United States. However, these disorders often are reversible and even preventable, especially in children. Since early treatment can help prevent young children from falling behind academically, socially and in other key areas at a critical time in their development, parents should watch for the following signs of speech and language disorders:
• Does not interact socially (infancy and older)
• Does not follow or understand what you say (starting at 1 year old)
• Says only a few sounds or words or makes only a few gestures (18 months to 2 years)
• Says words that are not easily understood (18 months to 2 years)
• Does not combine words (starting at 2 years)
• Struggles to say sounds or words (3 to 4 years)
Signs of Speech, Language and Hearing Disorders in Adults
In adults and the elderly, signs of speech and language disorders include:
• Struggles to say sounds or words (stuttering)
• Repeats words or parts of words (stuttering)
• Says words in the wrong order (expressive aphasia)
• Struggles with using words and understanding others (global aphasia)
• Has difficulty imitating speech sounds (apraxia)
• Speaks at a slow rate (apraxia)
• Produces slurred speech (dysarthria)
For more information and resources, please visit the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association websites at www.asha.org/public and identifythesigns.org. In addition, the Mount Sinai Health System provides speech-language pathology services at all seven locations.
To find an excellent doctor who is right for you, please call our Physician Referral Service at 866.804.1007.