Articulation / Language Disorders in Adults
Language is the expression of human communication. It allows a person to express experiences, explain ideas, share knowledge, thoughts, observations, questions, needs, values, beliefs and behaviors. When language is impaired, problems can occur in all areas of a person's life, including:
- Social development
- Academic performance
- Personal relationships
- Employment opportunities
- Self-sufficiency
Aphasia: Aphasia is a language disorder caused by damage in a specific area of the brain that controls language expression and comprehension, and leaves a person unable to communicate effectively with others. Approximately one million adults in the United States have aphasia, with about 80,000 cases diagnosed each year. Both genders are affected equally, and most people with aphasia are over the age of 60. The number one cause of aphasia in the United States is stroke. There are many types of aphasia, which are usually diagnosed by which area of the language-dominant side of the brain is affected, and the extent of the damage. The two most common types of aphasia are Broca’s aphasia and Wernicke’s aphasia.