Handout for Parents: Speech or Language Impairments

PARENT HANDOUT
Speech or Language Impairments 

WHAT ARE SPEECH OR LANGUAGE IMPAIRMENTS? A Speech or Language Impairment is a communication disorder that may include stuttering, impaired articulation, language impairment, or a voice impairment that can affect a child’s educational performance.   Stuttering- is an example of a fluency disorder.  Other forms of fluency disorders are unusual word repetition and hesitant speech. Impaired articulation- may include impairments in which the child experiences challenges in pronouncing specific sounds. Language impairment- challenges a child with the difficulty to understand words properly, expressing oneself, and listening to others. Voice impairment- impairs the child with the difficulty voicing words.

IMPACT ON DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRESS

Children with Speech or Language Impairments appear at a young age. The parents are often the first to detect these impairments. If this is detected early in life the child has a greater chance to outgrow the disability.  A Speech- language pathologist will work with the child as well as the parents/guardians and the child’s educator.

Speech and language impairment may be diagnosed if a child does not meet the speech and language milestones presented by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

It is important to understand that autism, hearing issues, and other disabilities may be clouded as speech and language impairments.  To avoid a misdiagnosis, a speech-language pathologist must evaluate a child with a belief of impairment.

 WHAT DO SPEECH AND LANGUAGE IMPAIRMENTS LOOK LIKE?

Students with Speech or Language impairment typically display impairments in:

• Communicating effectively with family, peers, teachers, and classmates
• Understanding and/or giving oral presentations
• Participating in discussions
• Attaining normalcy in a group setting

Tips to Support your child:

Early Intervention – can lessen potential communication difficulties later in education and life.

Work with a Speech-language pathologist- can support child in communication and work with parents/guardians and educators.  A speech and language impairment requiring long-term attention is manageable when this specialist works with both parents and educators.  

Address bullying- some children with speech or language impairments may experience bullying as an issue.  It is important to discuss these issues with your child and your child’s educator.