Alalia

Alalia: Main characteristics and causes of occurrence

Alalia, also known as alalism, is a speech disorder characterized by a complete or partial absence of the ability to pronounce words and express thoughts verbally. The term "alalia" comes from the Greek words "a-" (meaning "not") and "lalia" (meaning "speech").

Alalia results from disturbances in the areas of the brain responsible for the production and control of speech. It can be caused by various reasons, including:

1. Development: In some children, alalia may be the result of a delay in speech development. This may be due to general developmental delays or specific speech disorders such as dysarthria or dysphasia.

2. Neurological problems: Alalia can be caused by various neurological problems such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, head injury or brain tumor. These conditions can affect the normal functioning of the speech centers in the brain.

3. Hearing disorders: Some cases of alalia may be associated with hearing problems such as severe hearing loss or deafness. Poor perception of sounds and speech can impede the development and use of language.

4. Psychological factors: Emotional or psychological problems, such as extreme stress or anxiety, can temporarily affect the ability to speak and cause alalia symptoms.

Treatment for alalia depends on the cause and severity of the disorder. In some cases, speech-language pathologists can help children and adults regain and develop speech skills. In other cases, a comprehensive approach may be required, including drug therapy, physical rehabilitation and psychological support.

Alalia is a serious disorder that can have a significant impact on people's lives, making it difficult for them to communicate and express themselves. Understanding the causes and access to specialized care can play an important role in helping people with alalia to rehabilitate and improve their quality of life.