Disclaimer: This information sheet is for education purposes only. Please consult with your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for your child.
What are they?
Language refers to the understanding and use of words and sentences to convey specific thoughts or meaning in connected speech or in writing.
Language disorders following brain injury are commonly referred to as Aphasia‘s. Aphasia is a disorder occurring from damage to the specific language centres of the brain. As a result of a brain injury, children may have difficulties with their receptive language skills (their listening and understanding of language) and expressive language (their speaking skills) or their speech skills (the way they produce words and sounds) see dyspraxia & dysarthria. These areas may also effect a child’s reading and writing skills or in younger children the development of literacy skills.
The most common cause of aphasia is stroke, however traumatic brain injury, brain tumours, and some organic sources of brain damage such as disease can also cause aphasia. The nature and severity of the child’s problems will differ from person to person depending on the amount and location of the damage to the brain.
Receptive Language Disorders
Receptive language refers to a child’s ability to understand and process either spoken or written language. Children may have problems in the following areas:
- following directions or completing instructions
- understanding complex sentence structures (eg. passive sentences)
- understanding the meaning and content of speech
- discriminating between sounds
- understanding word meanings
- understanding lengthy or complex speech
- may appear to `not be listening’ or to be `ignoring you’ most of the time
- not keeping up with his/hers classmates either academically or socially
- may cause behavioural problems or acting up in class etc
- may be easily distracted or drift off when listen to speech or reading stories
- may appear to be forgetful ie. only completes part of an instruction or remembers part of a shopping list etc
Expressive Language Disorders
Refers to a child’s ability to express themselves and get their meaning across through either speaking or writing. Children with expressive language disorders often present with symptoms such as:
- poor sentence or grammatical structure
- limited content in their speech
- confused meaning and grammar
- generally use short simple sentences
- have difficulty coming to the point
- have problems initiating conversation or participating in conversations
- may have difficulties recalling or retelling information
- difficulty completing oral and written narratives and/or assignments
- may have trouble finding the right words
Who do I see and how is it diagnosed?
A Speech Pathologist will be able to assess whether a child is experiencing language difficulties or whether they are having other difficulties with their speech and language development. A paediatric speech pathologist experienced in looking after children with brain injury is highly recommended.
Your local brain injury service will usually have a speech pathologist or will be able to advise you how to find a suitable speech pathologist in your area.
What is the treatment?
A speech pathologist will perform a formal language assessment to identify any specific problems and areas of strength your child may have. An assessment and input from a Neuropsychologist can also be helpful in identifying any other cognitive problems that may impact on language functions.
Some children may require, one to one therapy to initially manage and develop specific language skills. School based language intervention is also highly recommended, to assist the child in developing skills and strategies in copying with their difficulties. Schools and special education teachers can help set up individualised education programs for children experiencing language difficulties. Teachers aide support may also be required in the more severe cases of language disabilities.
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Rehabilitation Department The Children’s Hospital at Westmead Cnr Hawkesbury Rd & Hainsworth St, Westmead Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, 2145 Tel: (02) 9845 2132 – Fax: (02) 9845 0685 http://www.chw.edu.au/rehabilitation/ |
taken from:
http://www.chw.edu.au/kidsrehab/brain_injury/information_sheets/communication/speech_and_language_problems.htm
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