Additional Information

If your child shows a gap between their receptive language (understanding) and expressive language (output), they may benefit from Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). This approach is especially helpful for children who are considered "late talkers," non-speaking, or who struggle with communication. AAC can provide valuable support to enhance their ability to express themselves effectively.

Individuals who have difficulty saying their speech sounds correctly and are often not understood by different communication partners. This is also known as a Speech Sound Disorder. This is common for individuals with speech delays, dysarthria, apraxia, oralmyofunctional disorders, and many more.

Receptive Language Disorders occur when individuals face challenges in:

• Following directions

• Understanding spoken or written language

• Answering comprehension questions

Expressive Language Disorders are characterized by difficulties in:

• Communicating at a level comparable to peers

• Utilizing a varied vocabulary

• Formulating sentences

• Using correct grammar and tenses

Some individuals may also experience a Mixed Receptive-Expressive Language Disorder, which involves difficulties in both understanding and expressing language. This can also be identified as a Language Delay.

Gestalt Language Processors (GLPs) communicate using echolalic or scripted speech, learning language in larger chunks rather than through individual words. This communication style is often associated with individuals on the Autism Spectrum, though not exclusively. Here are some signs that your child may be a GLP:

• Limited Response to Traditional Therapies: If your child isn't responding well to conventional therapy methods aimed at vocabulary expansion or language modeling.

• Use of Long Scripts: Your child may rely on extended phrases or scripts to express themselves.

• Minimal Improvement in Expressive Language: Rote phrases or learned expressions are not leading to advancements in their ability to communicate.

• Stagnation at Single Words: Your child may continue to use single words without progressing to two- or three-word phrases.

• Unintelligible Language Patterns: They may produce strings of speech that are difficult to understand.

Understanding these characteristics can help you support your child’s unique communication style effectively.

This is particularly beneficial for children with dyslexia, reading impairment or those reading below grade level. They may encounter challenges in foundational literacy skills, including:

• Encoding: The ability to convert spoken language into written form.

• Decoding: The process of interpreting written words.

• Segmenting: Breaking down words into individual sounds or syllables.

• Blending: Combining sounds or syllables to form words.

This treatment approach is helpful for individuals with the following:

• Mouth breathing

• Limited tongue movement

• Low muscle tone

• Difficulty with speech sounds

• Tongue thrusting during speech or swallowing

• Overbite or Underbite

• Excessive thumb sucking