Lift Their Voice: Language Processing Problems and Pediatric Therapy

You’ve confirmed that your child has no speech or hearing difficulties, yet they still struggle to communicate. Maybe they can’t clearly express themselves verbally, or maybe they have a hard time following a conversation. Both situations can be evidence of a language processing disorder–and fortunately, pediatric therapy can help!

Language is an incredibly complex concept that most adults take for granted. Our mouths create certain sound patterns that our brains interpret as representations of various concepts, objects, ideas, etc. If a child has a language processing disorder, some part of that process becomes disrupted.

The pediatric speech therapists at Skills on the Hill understand how children might struggle to process language. We can also help distinguish it from other issues with similar symptoms, such as reading difficulties or auditory processing disorders. That way, you know your child is receiving the care they need.

To get started, contact our Washington DC, or Arlington, VA  clinic to schedule an initial consultation–and keep reading to learn more about language processing problems!

The Three Types of Language Processing Difficulties: Signs & Symptoms

Experts divide language process difficulties into three main categories. The signs and symptoms of the disorder will vary based on the type your child has.

• Receptive Language Disorder: A child with receptive difficulties will struggle to understand language. You might notice that your child doesn’t follow directions well, frequently asks people to repeat themselves, or provides “off” answers to questions.
• Expressive Language Disorder: A child with expressive difficulties will struggle to express themselves verbally. They might have a reduced vocabulary for their age group, need help finding the right words, or use words incorrectly.
• Mixed Language Disorder: A child who shows signs of both types of language disorders has a mixed disorder. You’ll notice that they have a blend of symptoms and will struggle immensely to communicate at their level. You might notice a limited vocabulary, difficulty with grammar, and difficulty following conversations.

It’s important to note that language processing disorders do not reflect your child’s intelligence. Researchers still aren’t totally clear on the causes of these disorders, but they likely stem from differences in how your child’s brain works. As such, they often appear alongside conditions such as the following:

• Autism
• ADHD
• Dyslexia

However, because learning and language are so closely intertwined, language processing difficulties can impact your child’s academic performance. In fact, many children with learning disabilities may have language processing disorders that underpin their learning differences. 

How Pediatric Therapy Can Help Your Child Communicate

If you suspect your child may have a language processing disorder, schedule an initial consultation at Skills on the Hill right away. Our team of pediatric therapists will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether or not your child has language processing problems–and if they do, the different ways these problems affect their communication ability.

Because language processing disorders can look very different from child to child, it’s important we customize your child’s treatment to suit their needs. We’ll work with you, your child, and other important loved ones to set appropriate treatment goals based on your child’s age, symptoms, and specific challenges.

Generally speaking, however, our speech therapists will work to improve your child’s spoken language abilities. That means addressing both receptive and expressive challenges through fun games and other activities, one-on-one sessions, therapy groups, and other approaches–it all depends on what will work best for your child!

In some cases, children with language processing disorders benefit from various accommodations and assistive technology, which can help them communicate more effectively. For example, text-to-speech or word prediction software can help children express themselves more clearly, and incorporating visual elements can help children more easily process information.

Other Ways That You Can Help Your Child Thrive

Our therapist will also provide you with various strategies and exercises to help your child succeed even when they aren’t at our clinic. Here are a few example strategies we might suggest:

• Ask either/or questions rather than open-ended ones, allowing your child to share what they know without having to interpret the question.
• Model proper grammar and syntax rather than pointing out your child’s errors–and ask their teachers to do the same.
• Talk and sing with your child as much as possible! Read stories aloud and encourage them to talk about their interests.
• Let your child finish their sentences and find words on their own rather than trying to do it for them.

Finally, if your child is school-aged, we can help you navigate the accommodation process, giving you the tools you need to ensure your child is given the opportunity to excel in the classroom, no matter their language difficulties.

Schedule An Initial Consultation Today

Treatment for language process problems starts with a good diagnosis. Don’t let your child struggle to communicate–schedule an appointment with Skills on the Hill today!

Sources:

https://www.ldrfa.org/what-is-language-processing-disorder/

https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/clinical-topics/spoken-language-disorders