003 Easy Speak Podcast – What Are The Symptoms of a Receptive Language Problem?
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Easy Speak Podcast Episode 003
In this episode, Dr. Taylor first shares a comment and question sent in by an Easy Speak Podcast listener and explains how the listener’s question has inspired him to plan an episode to be recorded on location at New Jersey City University, with a special guest to help him fully address the very thoughtful question. Next, Dr. Taylor provides information on the symptoms of a receptive language impairment in school-aged children that teachers and parents should be aware of.
Hi Dr. Taylor-That was a very informative piece on receptive language problems. One of the things that I have found helpful in my classroom is that after I give directions I have another student repeat the directions. This helps those students that have some processing issues and helps me observe who might have a receptive lanuage problem. Look forward to the next podcast. Carolyn Z. NJCU
Dr. Taylor,
I really enjoyed this edition of your podcast. I currently teach at an “alternative” high school in Southern New Jersey. Prior to listening to the podcast, I was unaware of many of the potential symptoms of receptive language disorders. Many of my students exhibit one, if not many of the symptoms you have discussed. I wouldn’t be surprised if many students throughout the United States are misdiagnosed or simply overlooked of their problem(s). In addition, I also wouldn’t be surprised if the frequency of diagnosis for expressive learning disorders is much higher then receptive learning disorders. I will now take a much different approach in the way I speak to my students, and how I address some of the responses to my questions.
Thank you,
James Groeber
Dr. Taylor,
Again, this is another fascinating podcast. When you gave the points on how one might better identify a child with a receptive language problem, I was in awe as to how many of these points a student of mine falls under. At least 13 of them. He is severely Autistic. Many times, he will stare intently at me, waiting for me to rephrase the question. He seems very distracted during story time (even if there are visuals), and struggles with the most basic comprehension questions. He currently receives speech and language services, and I have asked the SLP to help me in assisting this student but her advice has been limited. I am to simplify the questions for the student and repeat them as many times as needed to him to comprehend. This doesn’t seem like the most effective tactic in approaching this student’s problem. Do you have any other suggestions that may help me? Thank you.
Dear Dr. Taylor,
Thank you for the great podcasts and insight.
I have a question regarding referral suggestions. I have a dear friend with a preschooler who appears to need incremental speech therapy. Regretfully, this three year old primarily deploys single-word communication. By way of background, the boy was born premature and has an array of physical as well as cognitive delays. Currently, he receives indirect services. However, first hand I have witnessed the successes of direct multi-session speech-language therapies. I indicated on more than one occasion to the parents that I have viewed dramatic achievements-strides via direct therapies and recommended they explore this option for their child. However, the parents seem quite comfortable with indirect therapies. I recommended potential 1-to-1 direct speech services incremental to the existing sessions.
I understand the critical window of opportunity for preschoolers and am convinced additional speech sessions would greatly enhance this child’s communication abilities and life. I appreciate your suggestions and guidance in this matter.
Sincerely,
Janice Taylor
NJCU Student and Concerned Friend
First of all, thank you for being an Easy Speak Podcast Listener.
Second, I agree with you about the best therapy for the child you described. I am curious about where he is currently receiving the indirect therapy and what is actually going on. If the parents are happy with the treatments he is getting, then there really is not much you can do. I would love to see a child get one-to-one therapy for a while, depending upon the disorder/delay and the severity. Yes, there is critical period during which language skills development occurs. This three year old is certainly at that stage. Communicating in single-word utterances at the age of three does, in fact, worry me.
I have one idea. Introduce your friends to the ASHA web site. Let them navigate the site for a time. Also, share some of the information on the PowerPoint slides pertaining to developmental milestones that you received in the graduate course you took (Developing Communication Skills In The Atypical Skills). Talk with them about the ages and stages. Perhaps, that will be a gentle way of pointing out that their child may need more treatment.. let me know how things turn out. Okay?
Dr. Taylor
Dr. T,
I was shocked listening to your 18 possible symptoms for a receptive language issue. I have a 5th grade student with autism that goes to my school who exhibits most of these and yet is not currently being seen by a speech specialist since his language is generally clear. I can’t wait to talk to the therapist to see what she thinks.
Jeff Bauer (SPEC 669)
@jeffreybauer Hi, Jeff! I would really need to know much more about the student in question in order to know why he is not being seen for speech-language therapy. There may be a very good reason, but only his SLP will know for certain. Please speak with the SLP, and promise to let me know the outcome. I am glad that you feel comfortable about contacting the SLP. I am sure that he/she will be happy to share information about what may qualify a child with autism for therapy. Please note, however, that if this child is not your student, the SLP will likely be mindful not to divulge confidential information about this specific youngster. Do not be disappointed, though. Just understand that confidentiality regulations must be obeyed., or else the SLP could end up in very serious trouble. Okay? Please let me know the outcome of your discussion with the SLP.
Dr. Taylor
I couldn’t believe how detailed speech therapy is. I have worked in the early childhood field for many years and I am a firm believer in early intervention. Unfortunately, sometimes its difficult to get the rest of the team on board for an early diagnosis. I also, didn’t realize how difficulty sucking and prolonged feeding times could be one of the signs of speech and language delays. I guess, I looked at the big picture and thinking “sounds” but not looking at the smaller pieces like sucking and eating. Looking forward to listening to other podcast and lectures. Lori Severino