Speech and Language Disorders

Research began in the field of speech and language disorders back in the early nineteenth century. The first research began with individuals that were deaf/hard of hearing. Researchers were trying to find ways to help them communicate by helping them develop speech and using sign language. However, after this began researchers wanted to look more into helping individuals that had problems with speech not just to individuals who where deaf. The education of students with speech and language disorders began with physicians providing medical and clinical treatment. Meanwhile, as the interest for the need to correct speech increased more professionals became interested in being educated as speech clinicians. It was in 1930 that the first speech and language pathologist program was founded. The first academy of speech was known as the American Academy of Speech correction founded in 1925. Eventually over time this group became know as the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Like other fields associated with serving students with disabilities, this organization set the guidelines for professional practices.

At the turn of the twentieth century, many interventions for students with speech and language disorders began in the public schools. After the passing of public law 94-142, these mandated students began to receive speech services in public schools. When speech therapist began servicing students it was in large groups. Unfortunately, due to meeting the needs of the individual students there was a decrease in teacher caseloads.

In reading the text, there are many definitions associated with the field of speech and language disorders. The term speech and language disorder is used to identify all disorders that fall under this category. IDEA uses the term speech and language impairments. This term defines having communication disorders such as stuttering, articulation problems, and language or voice impairments that can affect a child’s education. In some states, students can receive speech as a special education with related services without having another disability. However in other states, if a student qualifies for speech services they only receive speech and do not qualify for special education and its related services.

There are many characteristics that are used to identify students with speech and language disorders. As described in the text, a speech disorder involves deficits in the areas of voice, resonance, articulation, or fluency. Children that have voice disorders usually have difficulty with pitch, intensity, vocal quality, or resonance. Students that have speech and language disorders may have characteristics such as hearing impairments, cognitive or intellectual disabilities.