Preschool Language Disorders: Benefits of Speech-Language Pathology Services

• How effective are treatments for preschool language disorders? 
• What do speech-language pathologists do when working with individuals with preschool language disorders? 

How effective are treatments for preschool language disorders?

This treatment efficacy summary [PDF] on child language disorders describes research supporting the benefits of speech-language pathology treatment for children with language disorders. It discusses the critical role of the speech-language pathologist and shows how treatment enhances functional communication and quality of life.

Additional Resources 

• Preschool Teacher's Fidelity in Implementing a Comprehensive Language-Rich Curriculum
• Making a Broader Case for the Narrow View: Where to Begin?
• Facilitating Vocabulary Acquisition of Young English Language Learners
• Communication Development and Differences in Children Adopted From China and Eastern Europe
• Language and Literacy Curriculum Supplement for Preschoolers Who Are Academically At Risk: A Feasibility Study
• Eligibility Criteria for Language Impairment: Is the Low End of Normal Always Appropriate?
• A Review of Developmental and Applied Language Research on African American Children: From a Deficit to Difference Perspective on Dialect Differences

What do SLPs do when working with individuals with preschool language disorders?

Speech-language pathologists help in a variety of ways when working with preschoolers with language disorders. They work directly with children and their parents, caregivers, and teachers. SLPs help people understand the important connection between the words that we say and our ability to read and write later on. SLPs help children improve their understanding and use of language. They help children:

• follow directions
• talk about and ask for things
• form short sentences and ask and answer questions
• tell stories and describe pictures and events

They also help children with beginning reading and writing skills. They build children's awareness of written words in books and in the environment

SLPs talk to parents, caregivers, and teachers about ways to help children improve and enhance their language skills. They help parents understand how to work with their children at home and in every day activities.

The Preferred Practice Patterns for the Profession of Speech-Language Pathology includes sections on preschool speech-language and communication assessment (section 13) and preschool speech-language and communication intervention (section 14). These sections describe the typical clinical process followed by a speech-language pathologist in these areas.

See Also:

Preschool Language Disorders
Preschool Language Disorders: Causes and Number