Speech and Language Impairments by Anabelle Kessler

What is a Speech/ Language Impairment?

bellekess13 — 2023-11-29 20:51:02 UTC

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

Characteristics of Speech Impairments:

bellekess13 — 2023-11-29 20:53:43 UTC

Speech Impairments might be characterized by an interruption in the flow or rhythm of speech, such as stuttering, which is called dysfluency. Speech disorders may be problems with the way sounds are formed, called articulation or phonological disorders, or they may be difficulties with the pitch, volume or quality of the voice. There may be a combination of several problems. People with speech disorders have trouble using some speech sounds, which can also be a symptom of a delay. They may say "see" when they mean "ski" or they may have trouble using other sounds like "l" or "r." Listeners may have trouble understanding what someone with a speech disorder is trying to say. People with voice disorders may have trouble with the way their voices sound.

Characteristics of Language Impairments:

bellekess13 — 2023-11-29 20:55:04 UTC

Some characteristics of language disorders include improper use of words and their meanings, inability to express ideas, inappropriate grammatical patterns, reduced vocabulary and inability to follow directions. One or a combination of these characteristics may occur in children who are affected by language learning disabilities or developmental language delay. Children may hear or see a word but not be able to understand its meaning. They may have trouble getting others to understand what they are trying to communicate.

Causes of Speech and Language Impairments:

bellekess13 — 2023-11-29 20:56:35 UTC

Some causes of speech and language disorders include hearing loss, neurological disorders, brain injury, intellectual disabilities, drug abuse, physical impairments such as cleft lip or palate and vocal abuse or misuse.

bellekess13 — 2023-11-29 20:57:22 UTC

bellekess13 — 2023-11-29 20:57:54 UTC

Working With Students That Have Speech Impairments:

bellekess13 — 2023-11-29 21:13:18 UTC

When working with children with speech impairments I would develop a procedure for the student to ask for help. I'd make sure to speak directly to the student when having a conversation. I would also always be a good speech model. I'd make sure to have good interactive communication throughout my classroom. Most importantly, I will be patient when the student is speaking, since rushing may result in frustration. There are many other ways to support these students but these are just a few examples.

Interacting With Students With Language Impairments:

bellekess13 — 2023-11-29 21:19:53 UTC

Working with children who have language impairments might be difficult. You should always make sure to focus on interactive communication, use active learning, incorporate students interests into speech, ensure that the student has a way to appropriately express their wants and needs, paraphrase back what the student has said or indicated, ask open-ended appropriate questions, and be aware of the student's functioning level in auditory skills, semantics, word recall, syntax, phonology, and pragmatics (and how they affect academic performance).

bellekess13 — 2023-11-29 21:22:03 UTC

Classroom Tips:

bellekess13 — 2023-11-29 21:25:06 UTC

It is important to keep your classroom friendly for these students. Some ways I will make sure these students can succeed is to:

Reduce unnecessary classroom noise as much as possible.
Be near the student when giving instructions and ask the student to repeat the instructions and prompt when necessary.
Provide verbal clues often.
Provide a quiet spot for the student to work if possible.
Speak clearly and deliberately.
Provide visual cues - on the board or chart paper.
Redirect the student frequently and provide step by step directions - repeating when necessary.
Allow students to tape lectures.
Allow more time for the student to complete activities.
Modify classroom activities so they may be less difficult, but have the same learning objectives.
Allow more time for the student to complete assignments and tests.
Design tests and presentations that are appropriate for the student (written instead of oral).
Divide academic goals into small units, utilizing the same theme.
Provide social and tangible reinforcers.
Focus on the student's strengths as much as possible.
Have the student sit in an accessible location to frequently monitor their understanding.
Allow extra time to complete work because of distractions, slow handwriting, or problems in decoding text.
Have routines that students can follow.
Use a visual reminder of the day's events to help with organization.
Establish communication goals related to student work experiences and plan strategies for the transition from school to employment and adult life.

Challenges in the Classroom:

bellekess13 — 2023-11-29 22:59:09 UTC

Students who have speech and language impairments may create some challenges in the classroom. Some of these challenges may include: withdrawal from social interactions, frequent arguments, reluctance to contribute to class discussions, and inattentiveness in class.

They may also struggle with following classroom rules or have difficulties with understanding the need to follow rules.

There is also a possibility that students may resort to inappropriate coping mechanisms, such as bullying, delinquency and truancy. This could be easily misinterpreted as purely bad behaviour, as these students may not be capable of using language to explain their frustrations or provide reasons for their behaviour.

Strengths in the Classroom:

bellekess13 — 2023-11-29 23:06:59 UTC

When working with these students it might seem very difficult at times. But there are strengths they display as well. Something they will be stronger in, that I would us in the classroom, would be activities that involve creativity. That doesn't include speaking or listening and they can represent their thoughts in a fun creative way. It may also be relaxing for them to do these activities.