Developmental and Neurological Conditions

“Autism is a difference, not a “disability.”



Autism is also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD): have challenges with communication and social skills. Characteristics include the following:

  • May find it difficult to or may not talk at all
  • May not notice social cues
  • May have restricted interests 
  • May have repetitive behaviors
  • May focus on one topic
  • May not like changes in their schedule
  • May not like changes in the way they do something


Signs and Symptoms of Autism: https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/autism/


Children with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome typically have impairments in the area of social/pragmatics. Pragmatics involve three major communication skills: Using language for different purposes, such as: greeting (e.g., hello, goodbye); informing (e.g., I’m going to get a cookie); demanding (e.g., Give me a cookie); promising (e.g., I’m going to get you a cookie); requesting (e.g., I would like a cookie, please). Changing language according to the needs of a listener or situation, such as: talking differently to a baby than to an adult; giving background information to an unfamiliar listener; speaking differently in a classroom than on a playground. Following rules for conversations and storytelling, such as: taking turns in conversation; introducing topics of conversation; staying on topic; rephrasing when misunderstood; how to use verbal and nonverbal signals; how close to stand to someone when speaking; how to use facial expressions and eye contact.


An individual with pragmatic problems may: say inappropriate or unrelated things during conversations; tell stories in a disorganized way; have little variety in language use; prefer to interact with adults versus peers; become relatively isolated around peers; not attend to other’s body language or facial cues; not realize when others might not be interested in their conversational topics. Pragmatic problems can lower social acceptance. Peers may avoid interacting with an individual with a social/pragmatic disorder.


An individual may say words clearly and use long, complex sentences with correct grammar, but still have a communication problem – if he or she has not mastered the rules for social language known as pragmatics. Pragmatic language can be described as the use of social language skills (verbal and nonverbal) in interactions with others. This includes social-language conventions such as turn taking, eye contact, ability to stay on topic, social problem solving, perspective taking, ability to initiate interactions, body language, proximity when interacting with others, and general social appropriateness both verbally and non-verbally.


Neuromuscular Dysfunction


Affect the nerves that control voluntary muscles and the nerves that communicate sensory information back to the brain. Nerve cells (neurons) send and receive electrical messages to and from the body to help control voluntary muscles. When the neurons become unhealthy or die, communication between the nervous system and muscles breaks down. As a result, muscles weaken and waste away (atrophy).


Individuals who suffer from neuromuscular disorders exhibit the following: 

  • Dysarthria, a speech disorder caused by muscle weakness in the speech mechanism, which can involve the jaw, tongue, lips, soft palate and larynx. Poor control of the jaw, tongue, and lips can result in imprecise movements and placement leading to loss of speech clarity. Weakness and loss of control of the larynx (voice box) can affect the ability to control pitch and quality. Breath support can also be affected due to weakness in the diaphragm.
  • Dysphagia, abnormal swallowing.


Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)


A long-term (chronic) brain condition that causes executive dysfunction, which means it disrupts a person’s ability to manage their own emotions, thoughts and actions. It is one of the most common and most studied neurodevelopmental disorders in children. “Neuro” means nerves. Scientists have discovered there are differences in the brains, nerve networks and neurotransmitters of people with ADHD.