Prevalence of communication disorders in students with learning disabilities

The prevalence of communication disorders in a population of 242 children with learning disabilities between 8 and 12 years of age enrolled in a school system in Alabama was studied. The prevalence of articulation, language, voice, fluency, and hearing disorders was determined through an individual assessment program. A speech, language, or hearing problem was exhibited by 96.2% (233) of the 242 children studied. Language deficits were found in 90.5%, articulation deficits in 23.5%, voice disorders in 12%, and fluency disorders in 1.2% of the students with learning disabilities. Puretone hearing deficits were observed in 7.4% and middle ear function deficits were observed in 15.7% of the students. Only 6% of the children were receiving the services of a speech-language pathologist.