apraxia – Our Speech Garden

Neuro-Divergent Voices

May 8, 2024 Melanie Shea, MS, CCC-SLP

As a speech language pathologist, I often work with individuals who are neurodiverse. Neurodiversity refers to the natural variations in the way that the brain functions and processes information, which includes conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety and many others.

As a professional, I have learned the importance of listening to neurodivergent voices and valuing the unique perspectives and experiences of these individuals. Not only is this important for the well-being and empowerment of those individuals, but it also helps me as a practitioner to better serve and support my clients now and in the future. Its so important that we acknowledge we live in a unique time where we have a wave of neurodivergent voices who have first hand gone through a variety of therapies, schooling and social experiences. They can tell us, first hand, what worked, what didn’t and what hurt. What an incredible benefit to provide an entire community the opportunity to amplify their voices and utilize their experiences to help the children today.

Here are just a few reasons why it is important to listen to neurodivergent voices:

Neurodiversity is a natural part of human variation.

Just like there is diversity in ethnicity, gender, religion, race, etc., there is also diversity in the way that the brain functions. This diversity should be celebrated and respected, rather than discriminated against. By listening to neurodivergent voices, we can learn to appreciate and value the unique strengths and abilities that these individuals bring to the world.

Neurodivergent individuals have valuable insights and perspectives.

Many neurodivergent individuals have experienced firsthand the challenges and barriers that can come with living in a world that is not always accommodating to their needs. By listening to their voices, we can gain a deeper understanding of these challenges and work to create a more inclusive and supportive environment. Neurodivergent individuals may also have valuable insights and perspectives on how to better support and communicate with individuals with similar experiences.

Listening to neurodivergent voices can help to reduce stigma and discrimination.

Unfortunately, neurodivergent individuals often face stigma and discrimination due to misunderstandings and biases about their conditions. By actively seeking out and valuing the perspectives of neurodivergent individuals, we can help to reduce this stigma and create a more accepting and understanding society.

As a parent, it is important to remember that every child is unique and has their own strengths and challenges. By listening to and valuing the perspectives of your neurodivergent child, you can help to support their well-being and empowerment. This may involve advocating for their needs in school and other environments, seeking out resources and support, and creating a positive and inclusive home environment.

Here are a few ways that you can support your neurodivergent child and listen to their voices:

Create a safe and inclusive environment at home.

Your child should feel comfortable expressing themselves and sharing their thoughts and feelings with you. Encourage open communication and make sure that your child feels heard and respected.

Educate yourself about your child’s condition.

It is important to have a good understanding of your child’s condition and how it may impact their development and daily life. Seek out reputable resources and support from professionals, such as speech language pathologists and other specialists.

Advocate for your child’s needs in school and other environments.

Your child may need accommodations and support in order to succeed in school and other environments. It is important to communicate with your child’s teachers and other professionals to ensure that their needs are being met.

Encourage your child’s interests and strengths.

Every child has unique strengths and interests. Encourage your child to pursue their passions and support them in their endeavors. This can help to boost their confidence and sense of self-worth.

For our practice, we will always remember to listen to the voices who have had previous experiences, and try to build on that. We will always listen to our clients no matter their size and always remember every client is a unique individual. What works or feels right to one, may not be the same for the next and that is 100% okay!

If you have additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. Serving Tampa bay with English and Spanish direct services, and consultation/parent education everywhere else.

Difference between receptive language and expressive language

May 5, 2024 Melanie Shea, MS, CCC-SLP

One of the first things I explain to parents when I conduct a language evaluation is the difference between Receptive Language and Expressive Language. Do you know the difference between the two? Don’t worry, that’s the point of this blog, let’s dive in.

Expressive language refers to the language used for communication. It is the ability to physically express oneself. So put simply it is the individual’s ability to gather their thoughts and compile them into a cohesive message in the form of language. Expressive language skills involve the use of grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure to convey meaning. This can include speaking, writing, and using sign language or other forms of communication. For example, a child might use expressive language when they say “I want a cookie” to request a cookie, or when they write a paragraph in an essay explaining a concept. A person with an expressive language impairment would have difficulty trying to communicate their wants and needs, potentially in any format.

Receptive language refers to the ability to understand and interpret language that is spoken or written. This includes the ability to follow directions, understand the meaning

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of words and sentences, and identify the main idea of a passage. For example, a child might use receptive language when they follow the instructions “Please pick up your toys and put them in the toy box” or when they read a passage and answer questions about its content. A person with an receptive language impairment may have difficulty simply understanding what is being said to them, either at a basic or complex level, or under certain parameters.

Its important to note that expressive and receptive language skills are closely related and will often develop together. However, one can be more impaired than the other. Typically the receptive language will develop prior to expressive (i.e. they understand more than they are initially able to communicate.) Ultimately, both are vital to effectively communicate.

Examples of expressive language skills include:
-Speaking in full sentences
-Using a wide range of vocabulary
-Using proper grammar and sentence structure
-Asking questions
-Making statements
-Making requests

Examples of receptive language skills include:
-Following directions
-Understanding the meaning of words and sentences
-Identifying the main idea of a passage
-Understanding the relationships between words (e.g., synonyms, antonyms)
-Understanding the meaning of nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions and tone of voice
-Understanding the meaning of idioms and figurative language

It’s important to realize impairments in expressive or receptive language can affect an individual’s social interactions, learning, and overall quality of life. If you are concerned an individual is having difficulty with expressive or receptive language, feel free to reach out with further questions, as they may benefit from direct Speech and Language services.

Being Bilingual & Language Impairments

April 12, 2024April 29, 2024 Melanie Shea, MS, CCC-SLP

“Is my child at risk of a language impairment because we speak two languages?“

As a bilingual speech language pathologist, I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve had a parent come into my treatment room full of embarrassment and shame, as they ask “is this my fault?” No! Wanting to preserve your culture and foster the ability to communicate and connect with your child is not the cause of a language impairment. On the contrary, research shows duo-language learners have numerous neurological advantages.

One study found that bilingual children had better executive function, or the ability to plan, organize, and complete tasks, compared to monolingual children (Bialystok, 2001). Executive function is an important predictor of language development as it involves the ability to use language to solve problems and communicate effectively. Another study found that bilingual children had a more advanced theory of mind, or the ability to understand the thoughts and feelings of others, compared to monolingual children (Bialystok, 2006). Theory of mind is also an important predictor of language development as it involves the ability to use language to express and interpret others’ mental states. In addition to these cognitive benefits, being bilingual has also been found to have a protective effect against age-related cognitive decline (Bialystok, Craik, & Freedman, 2007). This means that bilingual individuals may be less likely to experience cognitive decline as they age, compared to monolingual individuals.

Given these neurological benefits, it is clear that being bilingual is not the cause of a language impairment. In fact, it is likely that any language impairment in a bilingual child would be due to other factors. However, the reality is this concept of being bilingual leading to impairments is a common misconception. As a speech language pathologist it is vital we continue to educate those around us of the benefits and we stop encouraging bilingual families from speaking their native language.

***It is also important to recognize that a language impairment would be visible in both languages, not just one.*** If a child is experiencing a language impairment, they may have difficulty producing and comprehending language in both languages.

If you are a bilingual Spanish speaker and you are worried about your child’s language development, feel free to reach out. If you are local to the Tampa Bay area we would be happy to meet with you in person. If you are a little farther we are happy to do a virtual meeting and provide as much guidance as possible.

Ultimately anyone can have a language impairment, but it’s not going to be caused by being bilingual. And if you are struggling with this currently as a parent, we are here to walk alongside you, support you, or point you in the right direction.