Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

Which is the most commonly diagnosed type of communication disorder?

1. Language Disorder

2. Social Communication Disorder

3. Speech Disorder

4. Non-verbal Communication Disorder

The correct answer is: Speech Disorder

The most commonly diagnosed type of communication disorder is a speech disorder. This category encompasses various issues related to the production of sounds and fluency, such as stuttering, articulation problems, and other speech impairments that affect how a person verbalizes their thoughts. Speech disorders can be quite prevalent, particularly in children, making them a primary focus in the field of communication disorders. Within the realm of communication disorders, speech issues often present in early childhood, leading to their higher rates of diagnosis compared to other types of communication problems. For instance, many children may experience challenges with pronouncing certain sounds or may stutter, which can result in significant disruptions in effective communication. The other types of disorders mentioned generally involve different aspects of communication that might not be as commonly diagnosed. Language disorders, for example, relate more to the understanding and use of language rather than the physical production of it, while social communication disorders focus on the use of language in social contexts. Non-verbal communication disorders pertain to deficiencies in the interpretation of non-verbal cues, which, while important, are less frequently diagnosed when compared to the prevalence of various speech disorders.