Skip navigation

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/speechandcommunicationdisorders.html

Speech and Communication Disorders

Also called: Communication disorders
On this page

See, Play and Learn

  • No links available

Summary

Many disorders can affect our ability to speak and communicate. They range from saying sounds incorrectly to being completely unable to speak or understand speech. Causes include:

Some speech and communication problems may be genetic. Often, no one knows the causes. By first grade, about 5% of children have noticeable speech disorders. Speech and language therapy can help.

NIH: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

Start Here

Living With

Related Issues

Specifics

Genetics

Statistics and Research

Clinical Trials

Reference Desk

  • NIDCD Glossary From the National Institutes of Health (National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders)

Teenagers

Patient Handouts

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.