speechlanguageimpaired

Ø Speech Disorder o Omissions, substitutions, distortions of sounds o Difficultities with pitch, volume or quality of the voice o Interruption in the flow or rhythm of speech, such as stuttering (dysfluency)
 * __ Speech and Language Impaired __**
 * // Possible Characteristics: //**

Ø Language Disorder – impairment in the ability to understand and/or use words in context, both verbally and nonverbally o Inability to express ideas o Improper use of words and their meanings o Omission or incorrect grammatical structures o Inability to respond appropriately to questions o Reduced vocabulary and inability to follow directions

Ø Causes can be organic or functional

Ø Give the student your full attention Ø Maintain eye contact Ø Do not be uneasy, impatient or evasive when he/she is attempting to communicate Ø Do not finish his/her sentences Ø Do not interrupt him/her Ø Be a good speech model Ø Help generalize skills learned in therapy Ø Reinforce correct sound production or language usage (as recommended by the speech therapist) Ø Cue when using voice improperly Ø Reduce stress for those who stutter Ø Try to duplicate conditions in which the student feels comfortable communication Ø Use signing, pencil and paper and/or gestures, if necessary, to complete a communication exchange Ø Keep in touch with the Communicative Disorders Specialist (Speech Therapist) and the classroom teacher(s)
 * // Teaching Implications //**

Source - PSLA Special Needs publication, 1994