Speech therapy for language-based learning disabilities

Language-based learning disability (LBLD) refers to a spectrum of problems related

to understanding spoken and written language. An LBLD also tends to pose
difficulty in the use of verbal or written expression. LBLDs can hinder schoolwork
as learning is reliant on communication and expression.
Learning disabilities schools offer therapeutic services to students with languagebased learning disabilities. These services are doled out by a speech-language
pathologist (SLP) and are focused on improving students phonemic awareness,
listening skills, reading skills and comprehension skills.
Problems faced by children with an LBLD
Children who have a language-based learning disability often face concurrent
problems in understanding and using both the written word and speech. These
problems may include the following:

Being able to relate speech sounds to corresponding letters and words

which could pose difficulty in reading

Expressing oneself clearly. Speech can be vague with the child using words
like stuff and thing when they find it difficult to find the right words for
what they want to say. They may also use um as a filler word for when
they are taking time to remember a word.

Following verbal or written directions

Using the right spellings and grammar rules while writing

Learning new vocabulary

A speech-language pathologist or SLP attempts to hone the childs communication

skills depending on their existing capabilities. Learning disabilities programs at
reputed learning disabilities schools feature speech therapy as an integral part of

the curriculum. An SLP functions as a part of the educational team that provides
academic and therapeutic services to a student.
A speech-language pathologist may do any of the following as part of the learning
disabilities program:

Help increase the childs awareness of how different sounds connect to

letters and words

Work upon comprehension skills by reading stories together with the child
and asking them questions to test their comprehension of the story. The SLP
may also ask questions that require the student to predict what happens
next in the story, further strengthening their grasp of narratives and the
written word.

Have a child retell a story in their own words or act out a story

Work on the childs articulation, speech fluency and tone of speech

Identify if the childs difficulty with pronunciation is connected to difficulties

in stringing words together to form a sentence and addressing this problem
when addressing the childs expressive language skills

Teaching children conventions on how to respond to questions and

participate in conversations. These language rules are known as pragmatics
and involve the social rules applied in making conversation such as taking
turns to talk and paying attention to what the other person is saying.

Learning disabilities programs at learning disabilities schools may address various

learning challenges in different ways. The key to choosing an effective learning
disability program is to make sure that the program includes appropriate
interventions and strategies that address the special needs of students.