Communication disorders comprise language disorder, speech disorder, central auditory processing disorder, and hearing disorder. On the other hand, the communication differences comprise communication difference/dialect (social, regional, cultural/ethnic variation of a symbol system), and augmentative/alternative communication, that is, the systems, which tries to facilitate and compensate for the disability or impairment patterns.
A communication difference is regarded as a disability in any of the following conditions:
1. The faulty transmission and/or perception of the message
2. The individual is placed at a learning disadvantage
3. The individual is placed at a social disadvantage
4. There is a negative influence on an individual's emotional growth
5. The issue leads to physical damage or endangers the health of an individual.