Treating Language Disorders in Adults and Children
There are many differences between treating language disorders between adults and children. For children, the use of language intervention activities is very common, these exercises use a specialized language specialist to interact with the child through play. Therapists use repetition exercise that depend on books, pictures and ongoing series of events to stimulate the child's language development. In addition, children who have not had a long time to develop articulation will be engaged in articulation therapy which includes exercises where the therapist can model correct sounds and syllables. Adults with language disorders are typically neurological in nature and can not use the same methods. Instead, they require specific treatment steps such as RHD or Wernicke's aphasia.
Augmentative and assistive devices are ways to help improve communication abilities. Describe how these alternative communication techniques can be chosen and used effectively.
Augmentative and alternative communication devices can be very helpful, but AAC needs to be carefully selected to be helpful. AAC should be chosen to fit the degree of language disorders. The more sophisticated the machinery, the greater the learning curve and the expense of the AAC. Some individuals only need very little help with communication aid, therefore a mobile writing or typing utility would satisfy. On the other hand, severely autistic or impaired individuals could need an extensive laptop aid that will help them in communicating. Both age, mobility, and need have to be calculated carefully.
3. Describe two types of speech disorders, how they can affect the child in the classroom, and some of the interventions used for students with speech disorders.
One simple type of speech disorder is stuttering. This is a very common disorder where the flow of speech is often disrupted by repetitions and pauses that the speaker cannot control. Another type of speech disorder is Dysprosody which occurs, when an individual cannot control how the intensity, timing and rhythm of speech occurs. Speech disorders in general affect students tremendously because they feel that they cannot fit in with the class environment. It limits their participation, social engagement and general involvement within the learning environment. There are many different intervention methods for speech disorders. Typically students with disorders are placed into special programs to teach them to correct the problem, but it is the responsibility of the teacher to get each student the help they need.
