Communication, as defined by the National Joint Committee for the Communicative Needs of Persons

with Severe Disabilities (1), refers to “any act by which one person gives to or receives from another person information about that person's needs, desires, percep­tions, knowledge, or affective states.

It takes a variety of forms, including speaking, writing, gesturing, and sign language. As we know, interference with the physical ability to perform any of these acts has a significant impact on communication. Oral motor and neurologic impairments that affect com­munication may also significantly affect swallowing.

The purpose of this chapter is to provide a basic understanding of the acts of communication and swal­lowing, as well as an understanding of the primary disorders resulting from abnormal development or acquired injury of structures or systems related to these acts. The chapter is divided into two parts: The first part describes speech and language development and disorders. First, the primary components of speech and language are defined and described, and brief examples of deficits that result from disruption in these components are provided. Acquisition of speech and language skills is then outlined, including pri­mary milestones for each. Some of the most common speech and language disorders, both developmental and acquired, as well as common associated disor­ders, are then outlined. Finally, speech and language assessment and intervention are briefly described.

The second part describes feeding and swallowing processes and disorders. Development of feeding skills, including expected milestones, is described. Anatomy and physiology of the swallowing mechanism is illus­trated and described. Common disorders of deglutition, both congenital and acquired, are described. Finally, feeding and swallowing assessment and intervention are addressed.