Speech disorders or speech impediments, as they are also called, are a type of communication disorder where 'normal' speech is disrupted. This can mean stuttering, lisps, etc. Someone who is totally unable to speak due to a speech disorder is considered mute. Speech disorders refer to problems in producing the sounds of speech or with the quality of voice. In many cases the cause is unknown. However, there are various known causes of speech impediments, such as hearing loss, neurological disorders, brain injury, mental retardation, drug abuse, physical impairments such as cleft lip and palate, and vocal abuse or misuse. This book gathers the latest research from around the globe in the study of speech disorders with a focus on such topics as: speech and voice disorders in Parkinson's Disease, genetic causes, stuttering therapy for adolescents and adults, prosody and autism spectrum disorder, speech rehabilitation after oropharyngeal cancer, mutism, dyslexia and others.

40 million Americans have communication disorders. Your readers are provided with essential information on speech disorders. This book also serves as a historical survey, by providing information on the controversies surrounding its causes. Compelling first-person narratives by people coping with speech disorders give readers a first-hand experience. Patients, family members, or caregivers explain the condition from their own experience. The symptoms, causes, treatments, and potential cures are explained in detail. Essential to anyone trying to learn about diseases and conditions, the alternative treatments are explored. Each essay is carefully edited and presented with an introduction, so that they are accessible for student researchers and readers.

Be a craftsman in speech, so that thou mayest be strong, for the tongue is a sword, and speech is more valoraus than any fighting. Egyptian Proverb The first duty of a man is to speak; that is his chief business in this world. R. L. Stevensan Memories and Portraits, 1888 Communication is of paramount importance to people. After the 1939-45 war Winston Chur.chill changed from his fighting attitude and advised world planners to adopt 'jaw, nor war'. The present 'glasnost' is also reliant on the power of speech which, when used at its highest level, facilitates understanding. Only human beings possess this power. To illustrate how the acceptance of the automatic nature of speech has come about, consider the following clinical examples. Michael, aged 5;0, is one of identical twins. They have an elder brother of 8;0. Michael has severe cerebral palsy. His brothers are both normal healthy boys. Despite their mother's experience with his brothers, her greatest hope for Michael was to see him walking. However, after recent discussion and consideration of the situation she is now determined to help Michael to learn to communicate by whatever means is avail able to him. She has realized that the essence of a person is in being able to express feelings, desires and opinions as well as in being mobile.