Speech Therapy for Language Disorders near Skokie

Language skills encompass a range of abilities that allow us to communicate effectively. These skills are crucial for understanding, expressing, and interacting with others. They include:

1. Listening Skills: The ability to understand and process spoken language (receptive language).

2. Speaking Skills: The ability to articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in spoken language (expressive language).

3. Reading Skills: The ability to decode and comprehend written texts.

4. Writing Skills: The ability to express thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written language.

Developmental Language Disorders (DLD), also called language disorders, refer to language challenges that last from childhood through adulthood. Learning Disabilities are unexpected difficulties in learning that don't match a person's developmental level or abilities. One type of learning disability is language-based, which affects both spoken and written language skills. People with language disorders may have trouble expressing ideas, understanding concepts, and using language for reasoning and problem-solving. These issues can also affect other subjects like math, science, and history, impacting overall academic performance. Language disorders can significantly affect social and emotional functioning, influencing interactions and relationships beyond the classroom.

A receptive-language disorder is a condition that affects children's ability to comprehend and process language. Children with this disorder may experience:

• Delays in language development compared to their peers

• Challenges in following directions (especially when complex sentences are involved) or understanding what has been said to them

• Limited vocabulary

• Difficulty understanding the meaning of words

• Difficulty keeping up with verbally-presented material

An expressive-language disorder is a condition that affects children's ability to communicate effectively. Children with this disorder may encounter various challenges, such as:

• difficulty constructing sentences

• challenges finding the right words, often using general words to describe specific objects (example: using "thing" to describe a chair)

• using past, present, and future tense incorrectly

• having a limited vocabulary

• omitting essential words like verbs and pronouns from sentences.

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As a result of these challenges, their messages may appear disorganized and confusing to listeners.

Individuals diagnosed with mixed receptive-expressive language disorders encounter difficulties in both their receptive and expressive language skills.

According to recent research by Hobson, H. M., and Lee, A. (2022), children with developmental language disorders (DLD) or language-based learning disabilities may often conceal or "camouflage" their disability. This can show up in different ways, like copying others, avoiding tasks, acting out to get out of work, pretending to understand by nodding, and using social skills to cover up difficulties.

Children face various subjects in school, such as language arts, math, science, and social studies. While school can be challenging for many students, those with language disorders often find it even more difficult. Language disorders can significantly impact a child's academic success across different subjects. Here are some general ways these disorders affect learning:

• Understanding Vocabulary: Complex terminology in different subjects can be difficult for children with language disorders to grasp, affecting their comprehension of instructional materials and class discussions.

• Comprehension Challenges: Children with language disorders may struggle with reading comprehension, making it difficult to learn and retain information from textbooks and other written materials.

• Writing Difficulties: Organizing thoughts and expressing ideas coherently can be challenging, impacting their ability to complete written assignments effectively.

• Participation and Engagement: Active participation in discussions, following verbal instructions, and engaging in group activities are crucial in many subjects. Language disorders may impede a child's ability to listen attentively and contribute effectively.

• Exam Performance: Assessments often require written responses that demand strong reading comprehension and writing skills. Language disorders can pose barriers to performing well on these exams.

Language disorders can be confusing which is why I wrote a comprehensive guide for language disabilities.