One-third of children ages 3–10 with a communication or swallowing disorder had more than one type of disorder during the past 12 months. In contrast, one-fourth of children ages 11–17 years with a communication or swallowing disorder had more than one type of disorder during the past 12 months. Speech problems on their own were the most common individual type of communication or swallowing disorder, with 41.8% of children ages 3–10 and 24.4% of children ages 11–17 affected. Among children ages 3–10, 13.6% had language problems, 6.3% had voice problems, and 4.3% had swallowing problems. Among children ages 11–17, 23.2% had language problems, 12.5% had voice problems, and 14.5% had swallowing problems.
Note
Data are based on household interviews with parents or adult caregivers of children in a sample of the civilian noninstitutionalized U.S. population.
Data source
CDC/NCHS, National Health Interview Survey, 2012
Definitions
Speech problem: Based on a positive response to the question, "During the past 12 months, has [sample child] had a problem speaking, such as making speech sounds correctly or stuttering, that lasted for a week or longer?"
Language problem: Based on a positive response to the question, "During the past 12 months, has [sample child] had a problem learning, using, or understanding words or sentences that lasted for a week or longer?"
Voice problem: Based on a positive response to the question, “During the past 12 months, has [sample child] had any problems or difficulties with his/her voice, such as too weak, hoarse, or strained, that lasted for a week or longer?"
Swallowing problem: Based on a positive response to the question, "During the past 12 months, has [sample child] had a problem swallowing food or beverages that lasted for a week or longer?"
Communication disorder: Based on a positive response to at least one of the four problems listed above. Disorders were parent-reported and not necessarily diagnosed by a doctor or health care professional.
Receipt of intervention services: Respondents who indicated that the sample child had a speech, language, voice, or swallowing problem were then asked the following question separately for each type of communication disorder, "During the past 12 months, did [sample child] receive speech language therapy or other intervention services for his/her 1) voice problems; 2) problems swallowing, 3) speech problems; 4) using, learning, or understanding words or sentences; respectively?"