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Communication Disorders Articulation Disorder-Sometimes a child may not make sounds correctly due to incorrect placement or movement of the articulators. This can be caused by physical problems such as poor alignment of the teeth or poor muscle coordination. Misarticulations at the elementary school level is usually easier to remediate than at the middle school level, when incorrect placement of articulators becomes habitual. Fluency Disorder-When we talk, our speech usually flows with a particular rhythm. We stress certain sounds or pause in particular areas in order to convey meaning in what we are saying. For individuals with a fluency disorder(also referred to as stuttering), this natural flow of sounds, words, and phrases is disrupted. Dysfluent behaviors may include repetitions, prolongations, interjections, and increased signs of tension. Speech therapy can assist a student in learning to identify and reduce these behaviors which interrupt the smooth flow of speech. Language Disorder- A language disorder refers to any impairment in form, semantics, and/or pragmatics. Form included phonology, morphology, and syntax such as the misuse or misunderstanding vf verb tenses or word ending. Semantics deals with the content or meaning of words such as with the idiom, “I have butterflies in my stomach”. Pragmatics deals with the function or social aspects of language such as asking questions, using appropriate eye contact, and turn-taking skills. Language therapy would be used to improve or maintain these skills so the student could communicate to the best of his ability. Voice Disorder-The most common vocal problem seen in children is vocal nodules. These hard calluses which form on the vocal folds cause a student’s voice to sound weak, hoarse, or breathy. Usually caused by vocal abuse such as screaming, excessive coughing, or throat clearing, or talking at the wrong pitch, the child must be examined by an otolaryngologist before any speech therapy can begin. Once therapy is approved, the speech clinician will work with the student on reducing the abusive vocal behaviors.
Improving Listening Skills at Home Listening is half of communication. Using the following activities at home can help improve your child’s listening skills: Set aside a daily sharing time with your child. Sit down together without the television or radio to distract you. Making special time for your child tells him that you are sincerely interested in what he has to say. Your child will want to share information with you and will want to listen, too! Use the evening meal as a chance for the family to listen and share information. Again, the tv and radio should be turned off. Each family member should be given a turn to speak without interruptions(this is also a great strategy for encouraging communication with children who stutter). Learn to give directions and ask questions at the level you child can understand. Many parents say too much, too quickly, or in too soft of a voice. If your message is hard to understand, children won’t listen. Speak slower, repeat information as needed, and speak in a clear voice. Help your child to look and listen at the same time. You can do this by pointing and using gestures when giving directions, and by acting out events when describing or telling a story or joke. This will help improve your child’s looking and listening skills, and will help maintain his attention. Model correct language for your child. Use complete sentences and correct word order. Eliminate slang words. Pronounce words correctly and clearly.
Improving Speech Skills at Home While there are many causes for speech disorders, there are certain general approaches you can use in assisting your child at home. • If you do not understand what your child is saying, be honest and admit that you cannot understand him. Ask him to repeat his message or show you what he is talking about. If you pretend to understand what he is saying, you really won’t be fooling your child. He will think you not interested and become frustrated. • It is important to model good speech sounds for your child. When he mispronounces words, repeat the message correctly for him. Your examples and models of good speech will help him know that you understand him and he will feel encouraged because you are not criticizing his speech. • The most difficult part of using correct speech is carry-over. Carry-over refers to taking the good speech behaviors that your child uses in speech class, and using them at home. Set aside some time each weekday as “Carry-Over Time”. Set the kitchen timer for five minutes and encourage your child to use good speech habits for that time. Make it fun by having him read you the comics, the sports page, or a page from his favorite book. As your child progresses with his carry-over, increase the amount of time in which he must use good speech. While a reward at the end of the week is nice, most children will be very happy just to receive your praise and a hug each day!
