Effective communication is needed to express thought, emotions, and feelings to others. The act of communication consists of delivering and receiving information. Speech and language disorders prevent effective communication between the sender and the receiver.

There is a difference between talking and communicating. Talking is only words entering into the atmosphere without purpose. Communicating consists of getting a point across from the sender to the receiver. Speech and language impairments consist of disorders dealing with hearing, speech, language, and fluency.

Individuals that have difficulty producing fluent sounds or problems with voice have a speech disorder. There are two types of language disorder. They are receptive and expressive language. Receptive language consists of the ability to understand others effectively. Expressive language consists of the ability to share ideas and thoughts effectively.

Assistive technology makes it possible for individuals to express and receive information with technology. Augmentative and alternative communication devices provide low and high tech means to communicate with others. These devices can be adopted to meet the needs of the individual. They can be as simple as a communication board and as complicated as a speech synthesizer.
Parents of children with speech and language impairments often act as advocates for their children. Speech and language impairments can have an effect on each individual socially and educationally. Parents can increase language skills by applying strategies that allow the child to speak. The parent can use these opportunities to correctly pronounce words and make corrections as needed.

Early intervention in the home, preschool, or day care can decrease or even alleviate the need for speech and language services. Organizations are available to provide information and support to parents. Advocacy and parent support can provide communication free from boundaries.