Receptive Language Disorders

by Jacky G. Speech Disorders
Children with Expressive/Receptive Language Disorders

Image source: minddisorders.com

What Is It?

A child with a receptive language disorder has problems understanding spoken language. He may also experience difficulties interpreting written language. Like other language disorders, these issues are not usually linked to the child’s intelligence. Some children have a mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, which means that they also have difficulty expressing themselves. In most cases, parents will notice the symptoms of a receptive language disorder before the child reaches his fourth birthday.

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Teach Your Child to Read with Apps

by Jacky G. Speech Therapy Techniques
Child Using an iPad App

Image source: dollars4schools.org

Learning to read is a gradual process and children with speech disorders may need a little extra help. Before you whip out those flashcards, consider downloading some kid-friendly reading apps instead. Encourage your kids to read with apps so that they can learn anywhere – including in the car or on vacation – without toting along a crate full of speech therapy toys and flashcards.

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What to Expect During an IEP Hearing

by Jacky G. Individualized Education Program (IEP) Legal Issues
Cartoon of Parent After IEP Meeting

Image source: elliestumbo.blogspot.com

While a due process hearing for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legal procedure, it is also different from a typical court case. It will not be held in a courtroom. Instead of a judge and jury, a hearing officer is responsible for examining the evidence, hearing testimony, and making a binding decision. The hearing officer may not be employed by the school district – he is a neutral third party.

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How to Prepare for an IEP Hearing

by Jacky G. Individualized Education Program (IEP) Legal Issues
Gavel for Court

Image source: apraxiaadventures.com

Disagreeing with an IEP

If you disagree with your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), you can try to negotiate with the IEP team to reach a compromise. You may reject the proposed compromise if you feel that it does not serve your child’s best interests. If negotiation fails, the next step is to file a formal complaint with your state’s Department of Education. Assuming that the state agrees to hear your complaint, you will have the opportunity to present your argument before a due process hearing. It’s recommended that you retain an attorney for the hearing.

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Building Vocabulary with Apps

by Jacky G. Speech Therapy Techniques
Child Working with iPad

Image source: macgasm.net

Helping your child build his vocabulary will help him to better express his needs and wants and reduce frustration. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and parents often use flashcards to teach children new words. If your child becomes easily bored with this activity, try re-engaging his interest by taking advantage of high-tech Internet advances. There are numerous educational apps available specifically for children with speech and language disorders, as well as general vocab apps.

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