Individuals with language difficulties should consider having a language assessment by a Speech and Language Pathologist. This will assist in understanding how well the individual is able to communicate, comprehend and use language. Knowing how mild or severe a language delay or disability is, will assist in developing appropriate speech therapy, visual aids and strategies, educational programs and support at home, school, work and in the community. Communication is not only verbal; it also includes gestures and facial expressions which can translate to information overload. Understanding overloads are important as they may interfere with an individual’s ability to respond, initiate communication, and process information.
The way we communicate with others and with ourselves ultimately determines the quality of our lives. – Anthony Robbins
Individuals, who are experiencing delays or difficulties in communication and/or language, often display undesired behaviours. Language influences behaviour and behaviour influences language meaning “behaviour is language”. Delays or disabilities can be present at any age, from newborns to seniors. Difficulties can be physical, developmental, involving motor skills, voice or processing. Individuals with a delay or disability may have little or no effective communication and/or developmental speech and language. Undetected it can impact an individual’s communication, self-esteem, and behaviour.
Communication is about sharing stories and information. Just because someone communicates differently from you doesn’t mean that their story or information isn’t worth hearing. – Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) National President Christine Stone.
When communicating with an individual experiencing a language delay or disability “less is more” effective. Bombarding an individual with too much communication or information creates overloads. Some common overloads include:
✓ Multiple questions
✓ Multiple instructions
✓ Questions followed by questions with little time to respond
✓ Complicated statements that are difficult to understand
✓ Speaking too quickly
✓ Communicating something the individual already knows the answer to
✓ Unattainable communication (the individual is unable to respond to)
Visual aids transcend language and words allowing for greater understanding and/or expression.
Vizually Speaking provides a service to assist individuals, families, caregivers, front-line workers, Speech and Language Pathologists (SLP), Occupational Therapists (OT), Behavioural Therapists, Physical Therapists (PT), support workers and other caregivers in designing, creating and implementing individualized visual aids and strategies. For your FREE consultation contact us today.
FREE Important and Developmental Milestones Charts
Download yours TODAY! – Just click on the picture.
These FREE charts are designed to give you a guideline of the various developmental milestones that your child should be achieving. Please remember children develop at their own rate. These charts tell you when most children who speak only one language will reach each milestone. Your child should master the skills listed by the time he reaches the top of the age range. Missing one skill in the age range does not mean they have a problem. You may want to seek help if you answer “no” to most of the skills.
These milestones are a guideline for the development of your child. Should you have any concerns contact your physician or Speech-Language therapist.
Need help training, designing or creating a personalized version? Contact us TODAY!
