Speech-Language Pathologists, Language, and Reading

The field of speech-language pathology has evolved significantly from the traditional picture most people have of a professional helping someone to speak.  The contemporary speech-language pathologist, or SLP, works with children on areas related to listening, comprehension, reading, and spelling, in addition to the traditional roles of speaking, or articulation.

As research continues to build, the important relationship between language and reading becomes more apparent.  Oral language is the foundational skill for learning to read and because SLPs are language experts, seeking the help of an ASHA certified SLP is a great first step if your child is struggling with beginning reading.

Children with reading difficulties typically have some kind of language difficulties as young children.  These can range from very subtle to more severe.  If you are seeing early warning signs of dyslexia such as difficulty with rhyme or trouble learning letter sounds or names, talk to an SLP about language screenings/evaluations that can help identify problems early and begin working to strengthen skills.

Children with reading difficulties often begin to struggle with related areas such as vocabulary and comprehension because they aren't able to read the materials that expose them to grade-level words and complex story structures.  SLPs are experts in areas of vocabulary and comprehension and can offer support, screenings, evaluations, and/or treatment.

Don't wait if you feel your child is struggling with language or literacy.  Seek help from a speech-language pathologist or other qualified professional.  You can find the valuable help of SLPs in your local school districts or in private practices in your area. Your local speech-language pathologist can provide you with information, screenings, evaluations, consultations, and/or treatment.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Spelling Isn't a Scary Halloween Costume

Image
Spelling has always been the scary part of reading instruction.  It's always the thing we don't have time for because we are avoiding it at all costs.  People tell us spelling doesn't make sense or that learning to write is becoming obsolete with increasing technology to do it for us. In schools, teachers have focused less and less on spelling instruction.  Many schools even quit teaching it at all after third grade.  Parents whose children struggle to read are often in favor of ignoring spelling.  After all, there's spell check for that, right?  And memorizing those spelling lists each week seems like cruel and unusual punishment for a struggling child.  I've even heard professionals tell people that it's OK to ignore the spelling lists.  So let's talk about that. Get ready. I'm going to use the word " research ."  Brace yourselves.  I'll be brief so stick with me.  Here goes.  The research tells us that kids can more easily read
Read more

Is vision therapy helpful for dyslexia?

Image
When I talk with parents about dyslexia, the topic of vision therapy almost always comes up.  It is heavily discussed on parent dyslexia support forums and one of the first results on a google search about dyslexia.  As a parent it is difficult to sift through all the information and determine what's good research and what's pseudoscience. In 2009 the following professional organizations issued a joint statement that explains the scientific evidence does not support vision therapy : That list of reputable and respected medical organizations should definitely give you pause.  In summary, their joint statement said this: "Currently, there is no adequate scientific evidence to support the view that subtle eye or visual problems cause learning disabilities. 8,30,31,45,46,48–59 Furthermore, the evidence does not support the concept that vision therapy or tinted lenses or filters are effective, directly or indirectly, in the treatment of learning disabi
Read more
Image
'Tis the Season...for wondering what gifts to buy.  You want to get your kids something fun.  But you also want to sneak a little educational purpose in without them noticing.  Check out the new gizmo called Moonlite .  It's a story projector for your iPhone. It's got all the right stuff.  It easily hooks up to technology - your iPhone.  It's also high interest.  Now, stay with me just a minute while we flash back to the 80s.  Insert time warp sounds here..... Remember those old Viewmaster projectors? I got one of those when I was a kid and that was just the coolest.  Lay out the blankets and pillows, bring in the popcorn, turn off the lights, and shine that Viewmaster projector on the wall.  Instant movie.  But the best part for parents? It's got guilt-free educational purpose! Ok, enough of the good old days.  Back to our holiday shopping dilemma.  Similar to the classic  Viewmaster , Moonlite uses the flashlight of your phone and story "reels&
Read more