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Question Quiz for Parents: What is the difference between a language delay, a language disorder, and a language difference?

Every year thousands of well meaning parents search for help for their children who have communication and/or learning problems. As well over 80% of all learning issues are language based – talking listening, reading and writing - it can get very confusing trying to differentiate service providers. It may often feel like a big maze of information with folks on every corner offering various programs, some even promising quick results. Many of these programs are expensive and time consuming. It is no wonder a parent might feel overwhelmed. 

The questions below are designed to help a parent decide what type of program or professional will be the most helpful for their child. See how well you do. The answers are below, and then use those answers to help guide you in finding the appropriate help for your child. You can even use these questions when you interview service providers to see what they know.

1. What language skills must my child develop in order to become a literate adult?

2. What is the difference between a language delay, a language disorder, and a language difference?

3. How does oral language development influence written language development?

4. How are delays, differences, and disorders determined?

5. How do delays, differences and disorders affect academic and social development?

6. What is the difference between therapy and tutoring?

7. Which professional can evaluate (test) my child's communication or learning problems, provide a diagnosis, and help me determine the next steps to take?

8. Can the testing results be used in both the public and private sectors? 

9. Can I bill my insurance for the evaluation and/or therapy?

10. Which professionals are trained to work on communication and language disorders?

11. What kinds of supervision does a paraprofessional require in order to be effective?

12. Which agencies oversee each of these professionals and paraprofessionals?

13. How can I determine the validity of claims made in advertisement?

14. If I need help in making a decision, who should I ask?

15 If I have complaints, who should I address them to?

Answers

1. Literacy involves listening, speaking, reading and writing. 

2. A language delay happens when a child is not speaking at the age appropriate times. 

A language disorder may involve one or more literacy areas, but the primary learning issue is an inability to use language effectively to communicate. Usually there are areas within language –grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary, and phonology which are impacted.

A language difference typically is seen as a child is learning a new language.

3. Oral language is the basis for learning written language. A child who begins school without an intact oral language system is at a high risk for developing learning problems when written language instruction is started.

4. Delays, differences and disorders can only be determined by a qualified communication specialist, a licensed or credentialed Speech-Language Pathologist.

5. Since language is the basis for most educational tasks and communication is a social skill, a problem in speech and/or language can negatively impact a child's academic and social life.

6. Tutoring typically involves one program used for everyone. Therapy relies on an individual assessment and diagnostic results, and involves knowledge of language development and various research-based practices.

7. A speech-language pathologist

8. Medical insurance has various plans and accommodations for speech-language evaluations and/or therapy. Many require a doctor's prescription. Insurance companies require a licensed professional to provide them with a diagnosis and treatment plan. Always check with your insurance company.

9. Always check your insurance plan's guidelines.

10. Speech-Language pathologists.

11. Speech-language pathology assistants require the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist.

12. The CA Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board oversees and sets the standards for licensed Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists. Other professional organizations such as the California Speech-Language-Hearing Association set ethical standards and provide information. The CA Department of Education oversees credentialed Speech-Language Pathologists in the public schools.

13. Claims made by advertisers should not promise specific gains in specified amounts or time and all programs should be research-based.

14. Questions concerning choosing a professional can be addressed to the CA Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board, the CA Speech-Language-Hearing Association or the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Complaints should be addressed to the same organizations or agencies.

Call Jimmy Kilpatrick today for a free consultation
cell 832 814-7463 or JimmyKilpatrick@EdNews.org