Childhood Language Disorders
Sometimes, children can have speech or language problems before they start school and receive early intervention services.
Language problems could mean that a child is having trouble learning new words and saying sentences, following directions, or understanding questions. Some children have problems with both expressing themselves and understanding.
Some children have problems with receptive language, or understanding. They may have trouble:
- understanding what people mean when they use gestures, like shrugging or nodding;
- following directions
- answering questions
- pointing to objects and pictures
- knowing how to take turns when talking with others
Some children have problems with expressive language, or talking. They may have trouble:
- asking questions
- naming objects
- using gestures
- putting words together into sentences
- learning songs and rhymes
- using correct pronouns, like “he” or “they”
Children can have difficulties with both understanding and talking.
How can we help? The Speech Language Pathologist will target language development using a play-based approach to enhance treatment and maintain high levels of engagement and motivation. Research consistently emphasizes the profound impact of play on a child’s cognitive, social, emotional, and linguistic development. Play allows children to develop skills in problem-solving, turn-taking, and symbolic thinking, all of which are foundational to language development.