ABSTRACT
Chapter 2 discusses communication as a complex and dynamic system, including developmental milestone and trajectory considerations. It is often a fast-paced system of expression and comprehension, requiring a combination of verbal and nonverbal skills. In a communication exchange, there is a need for sustained attention, expression, comprehension, and social language. Communication is a broad term that encompasses many different components of speech and language necessary for a functional and effective communication experience. We must begin with the understanding that the overall goal is effective communication exchanges, which provides an avenue for oral and written expression, listening and reading comprehension, and meaningful social interaction. Language includes oral and written expression, listening and reading comprehension, and social pragmatics expanding the practice of speech-language pathologists well beyond the accurate production of speech sounds. In order to begin developing a plan for planting seeds and building bridges for effective communication, we need to first review or build an understanding of each area of communication and the accompanying speech and language domains, including developmental milestones and expected trajectories.
