Communication Disorders

Communication disorders affect how a child understands and uses language, speech, and other forms of communication. Some children may have difficulty understanding what others say. Others may have trouble using words, sounds, gestures, or other ways to communicate their wants, needs, ideas, and feelings.

Professionals often talk about two parts of communication:

• Receptive language is what your child understands. This includes listening, following directions, understanding words, and answering simple questions.

• Expressive language is how your child communicates with others. This may include using gestures, signs, sounds, words, or sentences to express wants, needs, ideas, and feelings.

Children develop communication skills at different rates, but some children may need extra support. Communication difficulties can occur on their own or as part of another diagnosed condition.

If you have concerns about your child's communication development, an early referral to the New York State Early Intervention Program can help. A multidisciplinary evaluation will identify your child's strengths and needs and determine whether your child is eligible for the Early Intervention Program.

If your child is eligible, the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) team will work with you to develop a plan based on your child's individual strengths and needs. Early Intervention services may help children build communication, language, speech, play, and social interaction skills while helping families support communication during everyday routines and activities.

Learn More

For more information about communication development and the New York State Early Intervention Program, see:

Quick Reference Guide: Communication DisordersA summary of the New York State Department of Health Clinical Practice Guideline that provides guidance on the identification, evaluation, and intervention for young children with communication disorders.

Clinical Practice Guidelines - Quick Reference Guide

Developmental Disorders
Learn more about developmental disorders and the New York State Early Intervention Program.

https://www.health.ny.gov/community/infants_children/early_intervention/disorders/