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What is a Communication Disorder?

Speaking, hearing and understanding are essential to human communication. A disorder in one or more of these abilities can interfere with a person's capacity to communicate.

What are Some Signs of a Communication Disorder?

  • Incorrect production of sounds that affect speech intelligibility
  • Delayed language development in comparison to other children of the same age
  • Difficulty understanding spoken language
  • Chronic hoarseness
  • An inability to hear and respond to speech and other sounds despite sufficient volume
  • Swallowing difficulty
  • Difficulty formulating sentences due to word retrieval problems
  • A disturbance in the normal fluency and time patterning of speech
  • Avoidance of speaking situations
  • Difficulty expressing thoughts/ideas



    • What are Some Indicators of a Hearing Problem?

  • Ringing or buzzing sensation
  • Failure to respond to familiar sounds
  • Conversation is misunderstood
  • Ability to understand speech reduces with background noise
  • Frequent requests to repeat what was said
  • A person's voice seems too loud or unclear


    What are the Qualifications of an Audiologist or Speech-Language Pathologist?

    Audiologists and speech-language pathologists hold a master's or doctoral degree, must be licensed by the State of New York, and may be certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

    What does an Audiologist do?

    An audiologist is a licensed professional trained in the identification of hearing loss, the fitting of hearing aids, the selecting of FM systems, evaluation of central auditory processing disorders (CAPD), and hearing rehabilitation.

    What does a Speech-Language Pathologist do?

    A speech-language pathologist is a professional trained to diagnose and treat individuals with difficulties in the following areas:

  • Articulation/phonology
  • Fluency
  • Voice production
  • Spoken and written language
  • Non-verbal communication
  • Hearing
  • Oral motor skills
  • Language development
  • Swallowing
  • Cognition
  • Social aspects of communication



    Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Work in a Variety of Settings

  • Public and private schools
  • Hospitals
  • Colleges and universities
  • Private practice
  • State and local health departments
  • Research laboratories
  • Community clinics
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • Nursing homes and home health care facilities
  • State and federal government agencies

    What is LISHA?

    The Long Island Speech-Language-Hearing Association (LISHA), founded in 1953, is a professional,not for profit, organization of over 1800 Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists.

    The Association:

    Provides its members with educational and professional programs in the communication field
    Promotes and maintains high professional and ethical standards within the field
    Supports research and improved educational standards
    Encourages leadership roles and involvement within the regional organization and statewide association
    Advocates for the profession as well as for individuals with communication disorders

    LISHA Provides Long Island Communities with:

    Resources for the communities regarding speech-language or hearing issues
    The latest information on legislative issues affecting individuals with disabilities
    Speakers for school, community and professional groups
    Public service announcements through press and radio
    Responds to requests for information via the:
    LISHA Hotline: (516)-626-8000 -Website: www.lisha.org - Email: Info@lisha.org

    Mail: PO Box 133, Mastic Beach, NY 11951

    • Provides free parent workshops annually

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