Management of communication disorders: a clinical perspective

Abstract

This paper examines the role of Clinical Psychologist in the management of Communication Disorders (CDs). Clinical Psychologist applies the science of psychology to clinical problems and is actively engaged in teaching, research, and clinical assessment and management of several disorders, for example behavioural, emotional and mental disorders. An increasing body of evidence demonstrates that psychological factors are key components in the cause of CDs; therefore, needless to say, Clinical Psychologist is actively involved in the assessment and management of CDs. CDs refer to the inability to receive, send, process, and compare verbal or nonverbal behaviour. And it may be evident in the processes of hearing, language, and/or speech and may range in severity from mild to profound. Clinical populations such as individuals with Aphasia, Autism, Cleft lip and palate, Expressive and receptive language disorders, Hearing impairment, Intellectual disability, Specific learning disorders, stuttering etc., show one or the other kind of problems in speech and language. In this paper, I would discuss the psychological aspects and management of various CDs and conclude by suggesting the importance of psychological intervention in conjunction with other approaches/therapies such as speech and language therapy.