09/22/2025
Speech and language disorders that may be acquired in adulthood include the following:
* Aphasia. This involves problems speaking or signing, understanding, reading, and writing. Often misunderstood, aphasia does not affect a person’s intelligence. The most common cause of aphasia is stroke.
* Cognitive-communication disorders. This involves problems with thinking that can affect communication. Some examples are difficulty paying attention, remembering, organizing thoughts, and solving problems.
* Apraxia of speech. This involves the way the brain plans and coordinates movements for speech.
* Dysarthria. This involves changes in the muscles and nerves used for speech and/or breathing.
* Voice disorders. This involves changes in pitch, loudness, and vocal quality that negatively impact communication.