LANGUAGE DISORDERS

Language
Disorders

Fact Sheet
BY MARA LEAMON AND GERALYNNE S

8 JANUARY 2016

Characteristics:

Noticeably behind
other students in
speech and/or
language skills
development
May have a learning
disability (difficulties
with reading or written
language) with average
intelligence
Improper use of words
and their meanings
Inability to express
ideas
Inappropriate use of
grammar when talking
or writing
Inability to follow
directions
Difficulties in
understanding and/or
using words in context,
both verbally and
nonverbally
May hear or see a word
but not be able to
understand its meaning

Definition:

Definition & Characteristics

Language disorders or
language impairments
are disorders that
involve the processing
of linguistic information
to the degree that
adversely affects a
child's educational
performance.

Educational Resources
Websites:
- www.understood.org
- http://www.csld.org/
Books:
- McCauley, Rebecca J,
Assessment of Language
Disorders in Children
References
- http://idea.ed.gov/
- https://www.cec.sped.org/Sta
ndards
- http://www.dec-sped.org/
- http://center.serve.org
- http://www.fentress.k12tn.ne
t

LANGUAGE DISORDERS
-

Allow extended time for

assignments and test

Modify the length of

assignments
Pre-teach
Model desired behavior
Give choices
Plan ahead
Private location for
testing
Allow adaptive

Strengths,
Strategies and
Accommodations
Strengths

See things from a

different perspective than
most people.
Having been through a lot
of difficulties it makes
them more
compassionate than most
people.
Having disabilities
teaches patience, which
can be a very good
quality.

Instructional Strategies

Model the desired behavior.

Give choices.
Teachers tell students in
advance that theyll be
called on.

Classroom
Accommodations

Provide the student with

Communicating With Parents

technology

information on topics
prior to going over them
in class
Minimize classroom
noise/distractions
Provide copy of class
notes
Give assignments orally
and written
Give simple one step
directions
Help students find study
partners

LANGUAGE DISORDERS

Make it clear to parents that you accept them as advocates who have an intense desire to make life
better for their children.

Provide parents with information about support groups, special services in the school and the
community, and family to family groups.
Offer to give parents referrals to helpful groups.
Encourage parents to organize support systems, pairing families who will complement each
other for school activities.
Involve parents in specific projects centered around hobbies or special skills that parents can
share with students in one or several classes.
Discuss a child's special talents with parents and use that positive approach as a bridge to
discuss other issues.
Encourage ways parents can interact and help their children outside of the classroom and at
home.