Communication disorders affect a person's ability to communicate, causing problems with speech, language, hearing, or all three. The exact symptoms will vary according to the particular communication disorder, but they generally revolve around problems with expression. The ability to understand language (comprehension) as well as the ability to speak clearly to others are both affected to some degree. Although rare, there is also a chance that there may be convulsions with acquired aphasia - also known as Landau-Kleffner syndrome. No matter what signs appear, treatment for communication disorders is possible. Types of Communication Disorders
These are the main types of communication disorders that affect most people.

• Expressive Language Disorder- Children effected by expressive language disorder generally understands language better than they are able to communicate with others.
• Mixed Receptive-Expressive Language Disorder- This communication disorder centers around an inability to understand language as well as problems communicating with others.
• Phonological Disorder- Children who do not develop the ability to produce some or all sounds needed for speech are said to have a phonological disorder.
• Acquired Aphasia with Epilepsy- Also known as Landau-Kleffner syndrome, this affects verbal communication, but also has the potential for convulsions.
• Stuttering- This is a disorder that causes people to repeat words or have problems pronouncing words correctly.
• Unspecified Communication Disorder- When the symptoms from some or all of the communication disorders are present, it is referred to as an unspecified communication disorder because it doesn't fit exactly under one of the other categories.

Symptoms of Communication Disorders

1. The exact symptoms are going to vary depending on the type of communication disorder being talked about, but in general they are going to include the following.
2. Trouble speaking or expressing complex ideas is one symptom of a communication disorder.
3. Trouble understanding others is another sign that a communication disorder may be a problem.
4. Convulsions are sometimes present with communication disorders, although they are rare.
5. Repetition of words - stuttering - is a common symptom of a communication disorder.

While all the symptoms may not be present in all people, if some do, it may be a good idea to get a proper diagnosis. If a communication disorder is present, there is still hope thanks to treatment options available for this problem.

How are communication disorders diagnosed?

Most children with communication disorders are first referred for speech and language evaluations when their delays in communicating are noted. A child psychiatrist is usually consulted, especially when emotional or behavioral problems are also present. A comprehensive evaluation also involves psychometric testing (testing designed to assess logical reasoning abilities, reactions to different situations, and thinking performance; not tests of general knowledge) and psychological testing of cognitive abilities.

Treatment

Communications treatment may include one or more of the following types of interventions:

• Speech Therapy to help children learn new vocabulary, organize their thoughts and beliefs, and correct grammatical or word errors
• Behavior Therapy designed to increase children's use of desirable communication behaviors, decrease their unwanted problem behaviors and use of maladaptive coping strategies, and to promote their development of useful interpersonal skills. 
• Stimulant Medications as a treatment for any impulsivity or hyperactivity symptoms that may be present. 
• Environmental Modification can also be an important part of treatment for communication disorders. 

Success rates for communication disorder treatments based on methods like those just described are typically reported to be high, with around 70% of treated children benefiting. Follow-up treatment is sometimes necessary when relapses occur.