ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses a case study of Mark. He was diagnosed as having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which was viewed as underpinning behavioural and emotional problems as well relationship difficulties and low self-esteem. The association between speech and language disorders (SLD) and a range of mental health problems is an important finding which argues for early screening and intervention of SLD children for the presence of psychological problems and disorders. It has been suggested that links between communication disorders and psychiatric disorders such as autism and ADHD are suggestive of an underlying neurodevelopment immaturity. There have long been indications of genetic factors being involved in the aetiology of communication disorders. The range of psychiatric problems associated is quite extensive with the presence of Emotional Disorder being a significant mental health risk. Children whose language difficulties persist after the age of five and a half years show a tendency to develop reading and oral language problems.
