Disorders
Our therapists work with children that have a variety of disorders in the following categories.
Learn More About Each Disorder
Articulation / Phonological Disorders
A speech sound/articulation disorder occurs when one has difficulty producing speech sounds. For example, a child who misarticulates the R sound would produce "rabbit" as "wabbit."
A phonological process disorder is when sound errors occur in a pattern. For example, substituting all sounds made in the back of the mouth like "k" and "g" for those in the front of the mouth like "t" and "d" (e.g., saying "tup" for 'cup' or "do" for 'go').
Learn more at ASHAAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is a condition of the brain that affects a person's ability to pay attention and is most commonly found in school-age children.
Learn more at ASHAAuditory Processing Disorders (APD)
(Central) auditory processing disorders (CAPD) are deficits in the information processing of audible signals not attributed to impaired peripheral hearing sensitivity or intellectual impairment.
This information processing involves perceptual, cognitive, and linguistic functions that, with appropriate interaction, result in effective receptive communication of auditorily presented stimuli.
Learn more at ASHAAutism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits with social skills and social communication and usually shows in the presence of repetitive behaviors.
This may be shown in both verbal and nonverbal communication through impairments with joint attention tasks and impaired communication exchanges.
Learn more at ASHAChildhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)
Apraxia is a motor speech disorder in which the brain has difficulty moving the correct body parts to produce and plan the correct oral motor movements to produce clear speech.
For reasons not fully understood, children with apraxia of speech have difficulty producing precise and refined movements and sounds using the tongue, lips, jaw, and palate. Speech is mostly characterized by vowel sounds with minimal consonant production.
Learn more at ASHAFeeding / Swallowing Disorders
A child with a feeding disorder (also known as dysphagia) does not consume enough food/liquid to gain weight and grow normally.
This may be due to physical impairments impeding one's ability to safely swallow, or it may be due to behavioral issues.
Learn more at ASHALanguage Disorders
A language disorder occurs when a delay is noted in the areas of listening comprehension or the use of spoken or written language.
Listening comprehension (receptive language) is the ability to understand what is being said to you, following directions, and understanding vocabulary. Expressive language involves the ability to express your thoughts and feelings, use appropriate grammar and syntax, and form sentences appropriately.
Learn more at ASHALanguage-Based Learning Disabilities
Language-based learning disabilities (or sometimes referred to as learning disabilities) are characterized by problems with age-appropriate reading, spelling, and/or writing (i.e., dyslexia).
This disorder does not indicate how smart a person is. Most people diagnosed with learning disabilities have average to superior intelligence.
Learn more at ASHAPreschool Language Disorders
A preschool language disorder occurs when a child is between the ages of 3–5 years old and has trouble understanding or talking.
Learn more at ASHAStuttering / Fluency Disorders
Stuttering (also known as fluency disorder) is an interruption in the flow of speaking characterized by atypical rate, rhythm, and repetitions in sounds, syllables, words, and phrases.
This may be accompanied by excessive tension, struggle behavior, and secondary mannerisms.
Learn more at ASHAVoice Disorders
A voice disorder is characterized by the abnormal production and/or absences of vocal quality, pitch, loudness, resonance, and/or duration, which is inappropriate for an individual's age and/or sex.
Learn more at ASHALearn the Milestones
Find out how your child is doing, and see if you should take action.
Pragmatics / Social Skills Disorders
Pragmatic disorders are due to an impaired ability to use language functionally and in a socially appropriate way.
Learn more at ASHA