Neurological Communication Disorders

Neurological Communication Disorders are problems that affect our ability to understand or use language because of something with our brain. These problems can be something we are born with or something that happens later in life because of a tumor, stroke or injury to the brain.

Major types of Neurological Language Disorder are:

• Aphasia
• Specific Language Impairment (SLI) / Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)
• Language-related conditions in Neurodevelopmental Disorders: like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Cognitive-Communication Disorders

Major types of Neurological Speech Disorders are:

• Apraxia of Speech (AOS)
• Dysarthria
• Speech impairments in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Multiple Sclerosis etc.
• Speech deficits in Cerebral Palsy

Speech Language Pathologist(SPL)s provide assessments for neurological speech disorders in children. They use tests and language sampling to do this. They also do a communication analysis. Speech Language Pathologists give people ideas for intervention. These ideas include things like helping with language and retraining. They also teach strategies. Speech Language Pathologists provide AAC training, which’s Augmentative and Alternative Communication training. They provide family and caregiver training for Neurological Communication Disorders. Speech Language Pathologists do all these things to help people, with Neurological Communication Disorders.

Use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

The different ways that children communicate when they cannot talk or require additional support to communicate are called Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). AAC can be used alongside natural speech and can be an alternative means of communication. This may involve basic communication aids and picture books, but can also involve more sophisticated communication devices and applications.

For families looking for augmentative and alternative communication Dubai, AAC can be an important part of a personalised communication plan. A Speech-Language Pathologist assesses the child’s communication abilities, needs and preferences before recommending the most suitable AAC approach.

For a child with Autism, why is it important to use AAC?

AAC may benefit autistic children with limited speech, need to express needs or challenges through functional communication.  During speech therapy for autism, AAC may be introduced to help children communicate requests, choices, feelings and ideas more independently. 

For instance, a child could point to a picture to say “feed me”, to choose a task from a communication board, or to use a speech-generating device to indicate a need. These tools can make everyday communication easier over time and less frustrating due to inability to communicate effectively.

Advantages of AAC with Autistic Children

Children can benefit from AAC in a number of ways, such as:

• Encouraging functional and purposeful communication 

• Helping children express their needs, wants and emotions 

• Supporting greater independence in daily activities 

• Reducing communication-related frustration 

• Encouraging social interaction and participation 

• Supporting language development and understanding 

Giving children more opportunities to make choices 

What are the various types of AAC for autism?

AAC may be un-aided or supported. Unaided AAC is comprised of gestures, facial expression and body movements and sign language. Aided AAC can incorporate picture communication boards, visual communication books, PECS, tablets, communication apps and speech-generating devices.

Which AAC method is used will be determined by the child. Families will be able to select a method that fits the child, their communication objectives and daily routine, with the support of a Speech-Language Pathologist. AAC is not a means of removing children’s access to their first language of speech – it is an alternative and effective means of communication to supplement and support children’s language/verbal development. 

Conclusion

Each child is unique and the provision and support that they receive can make a difference to their everyday life. Regardless of whether the need is for AAC, Autism support or assistance for a neurological communication disorder, personalised therapy can help build confidence and independence and improve relationships with others. At MYCHAMPS Speech Clinic we have an experienced team of speech and language therapists who work with children to provide child-centred assessment and therapy which targets the child’s individual communication needs. As a trusted speech clinic Dubai, we collaborate very closely with children, parents, and caregivers to build communication skills, and support children’s development and growth at home, school, and community.