Speech and Language Disorders

By: Arla Garcia

Federal & State Definitions

• A speech or language impairment means a communication disorder, such as stuttering, impaired articulation, a language impairment, or a voice impairment, that adversely affects a child's educational performance.

SPEECH & LANGUAGE

Speech Disorders: • Childhood Apraxia of Speech• Dysarthria• Orofacial Myofuntional

Disorder• Speech Sound Disorders:

Articulation and Phonological Processes• Stuttering• Voice

Language Disorders:• Language-Based

Learning Disabilities• Preschool Language

Disorders

Identification Process• All students will get a screening.• A child might be identified to need

further testing, diagnosis or treatment.• Student will meet with an SLP for

further evaluation. • Visual examination of oral cavity and

throat to examine physical structures• Articulation of speech sounds• Expressive language and spontaneous

speech tests• Fluency and Voice Evaluations• Hearing test (this could be a problem)• Case History

• Speech therapy• Qualification for Special Education

Services

Characteristics• Noticeably behind other students in speech and/or

language skills development• May have difficulties with reading or written language• Uses words and their meanings incorrectly• Unable to express ideas• Incorrect use of grammar when talking or writing• Trouble understanding word meaning• Will not initiate conversation• During verbal interaction is slow to respond• Cannot identify the use of different language

4 Major Areas Where Impairments Occur:

1.Articulation2.Fluency3.Voice 4.Language

Accommodations:• IEP!!!•Seat arrangements

Instructional Strategies• Focus on interactive communication.• Use active listening.• Incorporate the student’s interest into

speech. • Reinforce communication attempts.• Ask open-ended appropriate questions.• Encourage reading and writing daily.• Be a good speech model• Model acceptance and understanding in

the classroom.• Be patient when student is speaking,

since rushing may result in frustration. • Encourage student to participate in

classroom activities and discussions. • Speak clearly to the student.• Allow the nonverbal students to use

augmentative communication systems.

Tips for Parents: • Be informed.• Patience is key.•Get to know your SLP• Stay positive.

Organizations to Consult With:

• ASHA| American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: www.asha.org

• NICD: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders: http:www.nidcd.nih.gov/

• National Stuttering Foundation: http://stuttersfa.org/

Recommended Books

• Gerald McBoing Boing by Dr. Seuss• Basghetti Spaghetti by

Susanne Vettiger• Ruby Mae Has Something

to Say by David Small