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What is Communication Impairment?
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What is
communication impairment?
Try to
imagine...
- being unable to read this.
- being unable to tell someone else
about it.
- being unable to find the words you
wanted to say.
- opening your mouth and no sound
coming out.
- words coming out jumbled up.
- not getting the sounds right.
- words getting stuck, someone jumping
in, saying words for you.
- not hearing the questions.
- not being able to see, or not being
able to understand, the signs and symbols around you.
- not understanding the words or
phrases.
- not being able to write down your
ideas.
- being unable to join a conversation.
- people ignoring what you are trying
to say; feeling embarrassed; and moving away...
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Why does it happen?
Communication
is one of the most complicated skills we learn. Effective communication
(speech, language, reading, writing and social skills) needs many parts
of the brain to be working together. It needs the 'equipment' (hearing,
vision, lips, tongue, roof of the mouth, voicebox) to be in full
working order. We need the right opportunities at the right time for
communication to develop along normal lines. For some 7% of children
this does not happen and their communication skills are delayed or
disrupted. Both children and adults may have illnesses or accidents,
which cause them to lose these learned skills. Sometimes, we misuse or
damage the 'equipment'.
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What is the effect?
Communication
impairment is a hidden disability which is isolating and distressing.
People often cannot explain the pain and frustration they feel. The
loss of confidence and self-esteem can affect their personal and social
relationships. Their disability can reduce their opportunities in
education and employment.
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Information for adults and children
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Dictionary of terms in plain English
We are
currently drawing up a dictionary of terms
describing speech and language disorders in plain English. You can now
access the discussion on terminology via the members' area. Please email
us if there is a term that you
would like to be included in the dictionary, or if you would like to
submit a definition.
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