Identifying communication disorders in children.

Development of communication skills is an essential component of human growth. The ability to express oneself is crucial for social, emotional, educational, and vocational success in society. A popular theory of language development suggests that humans are social creatures who crave contact with one another. In view of this need to communicate and interact, it is apparent that people without adequate communication skills may face obstacles in many areas of life. As children grow and develop, there is an expectation that they will learn to talk. Numerous factors, from hearing loss to developmental delays, contribute to communication impairment. When the expectation of normal speech and language is not met, social and emotional problems can result, in addition to the communication disorder. Many problems secondary to communication disorders, such as isolation, ridicule, and academic failure, can be prevented with early identification and intervention.