Communicative disorders at a health-care center.

The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of communicative disorders in a Children and Youth Program during the 5-yr period 1973-1977. It appears that the numerous speech and hearing surveys recorded fail to do the following: (a) identify speech, language, and hearing pathologie from a comprehensive health-care center and/or hospital; (b) study types of clientele longitudinally; (c) study prevalence and needs of minority groups specifically; and (d) study prevalence of communicative disorders in preshool children. For the Black community under study, it appears that the prevalence of communicative disorders is greater than reported in other surveys. In addition, the current study identifies a community not receiving services. In reviewing the facilities available to this socieconomic community, one finds inadequacies. These inadequacies may be reflected in manpower and equipment rather than programs and resources. The data indicate a tremendous need to expand available services.