Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of parents.
- What types of speech and language disorders affect school-age children?
- Can a speech or language disorder affect my child's learning?
- How may a speech-language disorder affect school performance?
- How do we insure that children get the speech-language support they need?
- What if my child qualifies for speech-language therapy?
What types of speech and language disorders affect school-age children?
There are many different types of speech and language disorders that may
affect your child or family member.
Speech Sound disorders-- adifficulty pronouncing specific sounds or blends
Language Disorders-- difficulty understanding what they hear or expressing
their own wants, needs, and ideas
Stuttering or Fluency Disorder--interruption in the flow, or fluency, of
speech, including blocks, hesitations, repetitions, or prolongations
Voice Disorders--a disorder affecting the quality of one's voice, including
hoarseness, breathiness, nasality, or volume
Cognitive Communication Disorders--difficulty in cognitive areas, such as
reasoning, problem solving, memory, perception, judgment, and imagination
Can a speech or language disorder affect my child's learning?
Language is the basis of overall communication. Many academic skills, such
as reading, writing, listening, and speaking are all forms of language.
Therefore, speech and language skills are critical to academic success.
Children need the ability to effectively communicate with their teachers and
peers in order to succeed in school.
How may a speech-language disorder affect school performance?
Children with communication disorders may have trouble with reading,
comprehension, expression, and may not perform at grade level. They may
also have social difficulties and struggle with test-taking.
How do we insure that children get the speech-language support they need?
Parents and teachers should refer any child who shows signs of a speech or
language delay. An evaluation will consist of a screening and a formal
assessment tool.
What if my child qualifies for speech-language therapy?
Once an IEP is developed and agreed upon, services will begin for your child
based on that plan. Therapy will be provided in an individual, group, or
inclusive setting, or on a consultative basis. Speech-language goals are
integrated with the curriculum and functional outcomes.