How to Help a Child With a Language Disability

Dyslexia, stuttering, childhood apraxia or expressive language disorder are just some of the language disabilities that can occur in children. There are many causes of speech and language disorders, but the effect is the same---poor socialization, lack of confidence and learning disabilities. Parents with children affected by a language disability can help their child in many ways. Dedicated support is key, as well as gathering more information about the disability, and learning and applying different strategies in how to manage and overcome it.

Instructions

• 1

  Take your child to a doctor for an assessment. Language disabilities may be caused by physical illness or mental and neurological disorders. Autism, a developmental disorder, often has symptoms of language delay. Hearing loss can also contribute to a delay in language. Your doctor will refer you to a specialist who can diagnose what particular disorder your child has, and recommend treatment or drugs to help in his condition.

• 2

  Go to a speech and language pathologist. One of the first steps to help a child with a language disability is to go to a speech and language pathologist to determine the extent of the disability, and have them identify the best course of treatment. This may require regular visits for treatment, where the speech and language pathologist can help your child gain the skills needed to manage and overcome his disability.

• 3

  Enroll in programs that train parents or caregivers in helping children with language disabilities. The best therapies involve the active participation of parents or the primary caregiver. You can ask your community health nurse or your doctor for any existing programs in your area that offer classes in supporting kids with language disabilities.

• 4

  Work with your child's school. If your child is attending school, speak with your child's teachers to let them know of his disability. More often that not, language disabilities cause learning disabilities. Coordinating with your child's teachers can help them create strategies to help your child, so that your child can get the most out of his education. The school may also have support workers that you can work with, to help you implement the same strategies you apply at home with your child.

• 5

  Provide a positive atmosphere. Giving a child positive reinforcement can encourage and motivate them in following the strategies laid out by their teachers or therapists to help them manage their disability. Children with language disabilities will often have high levels of frustration due to their lack of ability in expressing themselves. Rather than add to their frustration with negative comments, positive remarks can help them gain confidence.