Speech disorder

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Speech disorders, impairments, or impediments, are a type of communication disorder in which normal speech is disrupted.^[1] This can mean fluency disorders like stuttering, cluttering or lisps. Someone who is unable to speak due to a speech disorder is considered mute.^[2] Speech skills are vital to social relationships and learning, and delays or disorders that relate to developing these skills can impact individuals function.^[3] For many children and adolescents, this can present as issues with academics.^[4] Speech disorders affect roughly 11.5% of the US population, and 5% of the primary school population.^[5] Speech is a complex process that requires precise timing, nerve and muscle control, and as a result is susceptible to impairments. A person who has a stroke, an accident or birth defect may have speech and language problems.^[6]