What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Communication Disorder (Not Otherwise Specified)
• Communication Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified
• Unspecified Communication Disorder

What is Communication Disorder, NOS? (Definition/Background Information)

• Communication Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by symptoms of other communication disorders, but does not meet sufficient diagnostic criterion to be categorized as any specific type of communication disorder
• Communication Disorder, NOS usually appears during early childhood when linguistic neurodevelopment is rapid. The risk factors for the disorder include having a parent with a communication disorder, or a mother with diabetes during pregnancy. However, the cause for development of Communication Disorder, NOS is not fully understood
• The signs and symptoms of Communication Disorder (NOS) may include those related to language disorder, speech and sound disorder, childhood onset fluency disorder, and social communication disorder. The presence of other underlying conditions, such as hearing/sensory impairment, neurological disorder, or a traumatic brain injury can make the communication disorder much worse
• A diagnosis for Communication Disorder (NOS) may be arrived at, if an individual has symptoms from one or more of the defined communication disorders, but does not meet certain diagnostic criteria for any specific communication disorder type
• The treatment measures for Communication Disorder (NOS) generally includes speech and language development and obtaining the support of family and friends. In most cases, the prognosis is good; but, this may also depend on the severity of the disorder(s), effectiveness of therapy, and the impact of other coexisting conditions (if any)

Who gets Communication Disorder, NOS? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• The signs and symptoms of Communication Disorder, NOS appear during early childhood
• Both males and females and all races and ethnic groups may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Communication Disorder, NOS? (Predisposing Factors)

The predisposing factors for Communication Disorder, NOS include:

• Mother with gestational diabetes
• A positive family history of various communication disorders

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others. 

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Communication Disorder, NOS? (Etiology)

• The causality of Communication Disorder, NOS is not yet known
• Children of mothers with gestational diabetes and those having one or more types of communication disorders appear to be at increased risk for the same

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Communication Disorder, NOS?

The signs and symptoms of Communication Disorder, NOS are categorized into the following groups and may include:

• Language disorder
  • Difficulty understanding what others have said, following directions, or organizing thoughts
  • Difficulty putting words in the correct order in sentences, or difficulty finding the correct words
  • Smaller vocabulary than other children of the same age
  • Repeating words or phrases when speaking
  • Difficulty using present, past, or future tense properly
• Speech and sound disorder
  • Omitting or deleting sounds
  • Substituting sounds such as “dood” instead of “good”
  • Adding extra sounds
  • Altering sounds
  • Rhythm and tone errors
• Childhood-onset fluency disorder (stuttering)
  • Repetition of sound and syllables
  • Prolonged sounds
  • Interjections
  • Broken words
  • Circumlocutions (avoiding challenging words)
  • Increased physical tension when forming words
  • Whole word repetitions
• Social (pragmatic) communication disorder
  • Problems with linguistic politeness rules, speech style, and/or context
  • Difficulties with emotional competence, body language, intentions in communication, and/or eye contact

Communication Disorder, NOS is diagnosed when the symptoms do not meet the full requirements of any one of these disorders.

How is Communication Disorder, NOS Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Communication Disorder, NOS may be reached at, if a patient has symptoms of one or more of the defined communication disorders (such as language disorder, speech and sound disorder, childhood onset fluency disorder, and social communication disorder), but does not exhibit an array of symptoms which link it to any one specific disorder.

A diagnosis may be arrived at by:

• A careful examination of a patient’s medical history
• Assessment of the presenting signs and symptoms that may be grouped into the following four types:
  • Language disorder
  • Speech and sound disorder
  • Childhood onset fluency disorder
  • Social communication disorder
• Certain communication impairments that can occur in conjunction with Communication Disorder, NOS include the following, which have to be recognized and noted:
  • Accents
  • Hearing or sensory impairments
  • Any intellectual disability that may result in a delay of productive speech
  • Neurological disorders including epilepsy
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Facial structural abnormalities, which may cause speech impairment
  • Speech impairment related to a motor disorder such as cerebral palsy
  • Selective mutism - not speaking under certain circumstances due to anxiety
  • Medication side effects
  • Attention deficit disorder
  • Tourette’s disorder (phonic tics)
  • Adult-onset disfluencies: Speech disorders occurring after the teen years that are not due to a neurodevelopmental disorder
  • Social anxiety disorder
• In some cases, the individual may have some degree of impairment in a major life area and distress resulting from the impairment, which must be excluded

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Communication Disorder, NOS?

The possible complications of Communication Disorder, NOS include:

• Wide-ranging problems associated with an inability to effectively communicate oneself
• Difficulties in linguistic academic and occupational achievement
• Emotional stress leading to a decreased quality of life

How is Communication Disorder, NOS Treated?

The treatment measures for Communication Disorder, NOS may include:

• Speech and language development with a speech therapist
• Family therapy, as the condition can add stress to one’s family life

How can Communication Disorder, NOS be Prevented?

The following factors may be considered towards preventing Communication Disorder, NOS:

• Genetic screening for a family history of Communication Disorders
• Gestational diabetes screening for pregnant women and availing suitable treatment for the same; maternal diabetes has been found to be associated with certain symptoms of communication disorders

What is the Prognosis of Communication Disorder, NOS? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis for Communication Disorder, NOS is often positive and encouraging.

• However, the overall prognosis may depend on the severity of the symptoms, the age of diagnosis, the age at which the individual begins treatment, and the impact of comorbid conditions (presence of other coexisting conditions causing related symptoms)
• The individual is at risk for a disrupted social and/or emotional development

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Communication Disorder, NOS:

Acquisition of communication disorders may also come from environmental factors at any point in childhood development.