340- A Parent’s Guide for Managing Language Processing Disorder
Jan 29, 2021
auto_awesome
Expert Ellen Braaten discusses language processing disorders and their overlap with ADHD. She shares strategies for supporting children with slow processing speed at home and school. The podcast explores evaluations for language processing disorder, empowering children to self-advocate, and the importance of early intervention.
Early evaluation is crucial for children with language processing disorder, and specific tests should be requested.
Reevaluations can provide a clearer understanding of language processing abilities and guide appropriate interventions.
Language processing difficulties often coexist with other conditions, and a comprehensive evaluation can help identify specific challenges.
Deep dives
Importance of early evaluation for language processing disorder
Parents can pursue an evaluation for their child as early as possible if they suspect language processing disorder. Evaluations can be obtained through the local school system or privately. It is important to be specific about the child's difficulties and request a battery of tests that assess expressive and receptive language, processing speed, working memory, and other executive functions. Evaluations can also be requested for adults who suspect language processing difficulties. It is recommended to consult a speech and language therapist or a neuropsychologist for an evaluation and to discuss treatment options.
Reevaluations and specific tests for language processing difficulties
Reevaluations can be requested if parents or individuals are not satisfied with previous diagnoses or if they suspect additional language processing difficulties. A broad battery of tests that assess expressive and receptive language, processing speed, working memory, and other executive functions should be requested. Tests such as the WISC, WIPPSI, DAS, or Woodcock Johnson are especially valuable. A comprehensive evaluation can provide a clearer understanding of the individual's language processing abilities and guide appropriate interventions.
Overlap between language processing difficulties and other conditions
Language processing difficulties often coexist with conditions such as dyslexia, ADHD, nonverbal learning disorder, auditory processing disorder, and autism. Seeking a comprehensive evaluation that assesses multiple aspects of language processing can help identify the specific challenges a person may face. Understanding the overlap between different conditions and language processing can provide valuable insights into an individual's communication abilities and guide appropriate support measures.
Explaining language processing difficulties to children
When explaining language processing difficulties to children, it is important to emphasize that everyone is different and has different strengths and challenges. Emphasize the value of their unique way of thinking and let them know that their perspective is valuable. Encourage self-advocacy by providing them with the words to describe their challenges and empowering them to discuss their needs with teachers and others. Help them understand that their way of processing information is valid and contributes to the diversity in the world.
Empowering children with language processing difficulties
Empower children with language processing difficulties by letting them know they are not alone. Share personal experiences of similar challenges and successes. Reinforce that their way of thinking is valuable and has its own strengths. Encourage and support them in finding strategies to navigate their challenges, such as modifying the communication environment, using visual aids, and providing additional time to respond. Help them understand their unique neurocognitive profile and guide them in self-advocacy.
Ellen Braaten, Ph.D., explains how language and learning disabilities overlap with ADHD and affect social skills, how to find a professional who can help with these challenges, and how to support children with slow processing speed at home and at school.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode