Speech and Language Development

Information and Guidelines on When to Refer Students for Services

Bonnie Lee, Speech and Language Specialist

Language Includes

Form-structure of language Content-meaning of language Function-social use of language Inherent language knowledgeawareness of sounds, words, grammar and social

use

The Form of Languagea Structure That Works Together

Phonology-rules for combining sounds Morphology- words and parts of words that carry meaning Syntax-rules governing the order and combination of words to express ideas

Content of Message: Semantics

Meanings of words and sentences Intent of the message such as request, demand, inform

Use of Language Social Language or Pragmatics

Skills needed to carry on a conversation Knowing how to initiate, maintain and end a conversation Taking the perspective of the listener

Use of Language To Talk About Language

Critical for Learning to Read and Write

Phonemic awareness
Segment words into sounds and syllables

Word awareness Segment sentences into words Grammatic awareness Judge correctness Pragmatic awarenessJudge social appropriateness
of communication

What sounds are in the word baby? buh ae buh ee

What Should You Say To Your Teacher?

Ooh! Dont put that scary spider in my hand!

Speech Includes:

Articulation-the motor act of saying the speech sounds Voice- pitch, loudness, and quality Fluency-rate and rhythm of speechSome amount of dysfluency is normal- Listen to your peers! Bursts of dysfluency may occur when speech and language skills are challenged.

Speech Sound Acquisition

The age at which 90 % of children can say a given sound.

See Handout for Specific Ages When Sound Are
Acquired.

Eligibility Criteria
Articulation Problems

Unrelated to dialect, cultural differences Unrelated to influence of a foreign language Adversely affect educational performance

Listening and Speaking - part of the Language Literacy Arts Core Curriculum May affect oral reading, math, social studies, etc.

Student exhibits one or more sound production pattern problems (beyond mastery age by 90% of population)

Eligibility Criteria: Language Problems

CST decision Language problem must be:

Demonstrated on functional assessment OR On at least 2 standardized language tests, falls at or below:

10th percentile or 1.5 standard deviations (Mean standard score =10) One standard deviation is +/-3 7 to 13 is within one standard deviation)

Eligibility Criteria: Voice or Fluency Problems

Both must be unrelated to dialect, cultural differences or the influence of foreign language At least mild severity rating Voice problem: must be present on two occasions at least 3-4 weeks apart. We suggest they ask for their pediatricians opinion. Fluency: dysfluency on 5% or more of words spoken on formal testing and in speech sample

Educational Relevance of The Communication Disorder

Academic impact
academic subjects affected

Social impactsocial areas affected

Signs and Effects of Communication Disorders

Types of Communication Disorder Signs Effects

Social Academic See Handout

Your Role In Identifying Speech Problems

Help identify children whose speech, language, voice and fluency problems have an educational impact After written referral, complete a checklist to help further define the problem

How to Make A Referral

Written request for an initial evaluation Referral can be initiated by parent, teacher, other school personnel or agency concerned with the child

When to Refer
Review the speech cheat sheet for information If you are still not sure, contact me and we can discuss the student. If you are sure theres a problem, please contact the childs parents. Then submit referral in writing. (See Initial Referral Form/Teacher Checklist)

Role of Speech and Language Specialist

Direct service providerproviding services to students Evaluator-identify speech and language problems, develop remediation strategies

Consultant-work with teachers, CST members, other school personnel Child study team member
Case manager-for students
who are Eligible for Speech and Language Services only

Collaboration is important as we work together to help students extend their newly-learned skills into the classroom!