Back to School: Time for Speech Related Reading Problems to
Surface
Speech or language problems can lead to reading and writing
difficulties which in turn lead to serious educational
consequences.
- Some 17-20% of children in the United States have
difficulties learning to read.
- More than 70% of teachers believe that students who receive
speech and language services demonstrate improved pre-reading,
reading, or reading comprehension skills.
- Most poor readers have an early history of spoken language
deficits.
- A recent study reported that 2nd graders who read poorly
had phonemic awareness or spoken language problems in
kindergarten.
- About 41% of fourth grade boys and 35% of fourth grade
girls read below grade level.
- Overall, communication disorders affect approximately 42
million Americans. Of these, 28 million have a hearing loss and
14 million have a speech or language disorder.
Speech-language pathologists are often the first professionals
to detect the cause of many of these problems. Bringing their
knowledge and experience to bear, they can help children build
critical speech, language and literacy skills.
Key References:
-
How Does Your Child Hear and Talk
brochure shows in chart form speech, language, and hearing
milestones for children birth to age five years to determine if
professional help should be sought. (Available in Spanish)
-
Getting Ready for Reading and Writing
brochure highlights common speech and language milestones that
form the foundation for literacy. This brochure also suggests
activities for helping young children develop and strengthen
communication, reading, and writing skills from birth through
age five years.
-
Literacy and Communication
brochure outlines language and communication expectations for
kindergarten through fifth grade children.
(
Others are available by calling 800-638-8255)
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the
national professional, scientific, and credentialing association
for more than 120,000 audiologists, speech-language pathologists,
and speech, language, and hearing scientists.
Speech-Language Pathologists are the professionals who
identify, assess, and treat speech and language problems
including swallowing disorders.
Audiologists are hearing health care professionals who
specialize in preventing, identifying and assessing hearing
disorders as well as providing audiologic treatment including
hearing aids and other assistive listening devices.
Media inquiries:
Members of the media may contact
ASHA's media relations office
for more information or help with stories.