Emotional Problems in Relation to Communication Disorders — An Overview

From the clinical impressions of Speech Pathologists and other professionals involved, emotional problems have been considered as either major causal factors, maintaining influences, prognostic indicators, predictable responses, or as totally irrelevant and insignificant in relation to communication disorders. It would be beneficial to examine these possible inter-relationships, to see if any trends do emerge, and to question whether we are sufficiently skilled in identifying and managing these problems, and secondly, competent to teach and demonstrate such skills to current Speech Pathology Students. It is hoped that this will lead to more objectively defined conclusions, improved service to those handicapped by communication disorders, and increased co-operation between allied professionals in research and clinical work.