For language delays or communication disorders in children, early assessment is useful. Language delays may impact expressive language, receptive language, or both. Communication disorders may impact articulation, fluency (stuttering) and other specified and unspecified communication disorders. Treatment focuses on the diagnosed condition. For example, speech and language services may focus on the production of speech sounds for children with phonological challenges. For toddlers with language delay or speech absence who may also be autistic, early intervention services focusing on speech production can help. Intervention services and treatment programs have been specifically developed for autistic children with language delays. For example, pivotal response treatment is a well-established and researched intervention that includes family participation. Mark Sundberg's verbal behavior framework is another well-established assessment and treatment modality that is incorporated into many applied behavior analysis (ABA) early intervention treatment programs for young children with autism and communication challenges. Treatment for absence of speech due to apraxia, involves assessment, and, based on the assessment, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and/or speech therapy. Treatment for selective mutism involves assessment, counseling, and positive supports. Treatment for absence of speech in adults who previously had speech involves assessment to determine cause, including medical and surgery related causes, followed by appropriate treatment or management. Treatment may involve counseling, or rehabilitation services, depending upon cause of loss of speech.
Muteness
Acelity
Cue reactivity
Neurodiversity
Hysteresivity
Diagnostic greed
Heredity
Genetic exceptionalism