Speech Impairments

What are Language Impairments?

Language impairments include conditions such as

Aphasia (loss or impairment of the power to use or comprehend words, often as a result of brain damage),

Delayed speech (a symptom of cognitive impairment), and

Other conditions resulting in difficulties remembering, solving problems, or perceiving sensory information.

For people who have these impairments, complex or inconsistent visual displays or word choices.

Consider the following suggestions when interacting with individuals who have a Speech Impairment:

Listen attentively when you're talking to a person who has speech impairments.

Exercise patience rather than attempting to speak for a person with speech difficulty. When necessary, ask short questions that require short answers, a nod or a shake of the head.

Never pretend to understand if you are having difficulty doing so. Repeat what you understand and the person's reactions will clue you in and guide you to understanding.

Speak with a normal tone of voice. Most speech-impaired persons can hear and understand without difficulty.