Expressive Language Disorder
What is expressive language disorder?
Learn Alberta provides an excellent definition of what this disorder is, and to read it click here. For a shorter definition, expressive language disorder is when a student has problems expressing themselves, usually with verbal communication being effected the most. Written expression may also suffer. They are able to understand language, but they struggle with using it. These students have average intelligence, and likely understand many words that they cannot use within their writing, or speech.
It is important to remember that sometimes expressive language disorder doesn't present on its own. It may be seen in conjunction with other disorders such autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Expressive language disorder fits under a larger umbrella of communication disorders, which are classified as a Code 57 under Education Alberta.
What should I look for?
If you think that one of your students may have an expressive language disorder, here are some things to look for. The student may use simple words, short sentences, have troubles communicating their ideas, or use filler words like "stuff", "fine", or "like". These students may also use gestures to stand in for their lack of words. An example of this is seen in this video, which shows a young girl who has expressive language disorder. She understands what she is talking about fully, but has issues with communicating her ideas.
The main thing here is that the students does understand the information, has age appropriate intelligence and comprehension skills, but cannot appropriately communicate their ideas.
There are actually two types of expressive language disorder. The difference is in when and why the disorder starts.
1. The first is developmental expressive language disorder. This means that the child was born with the condition, and as of right now we do not know why it effects some children. It is more common in boys then in girls, and has likely already been recognized by the parents of caregivers. The first signs of this disorder are usually seen around the time when the child begins to talk. These students likely have strategies that their parents use with them, so communication is important. Finding out ways in which to make the students more comfortable in your classroom can decrease their anxiety and help them relax.
2. Acquired expressive language disorder results from trauma to the brain, such as a stroke or seizure. It is likely that these students were able to communicate normally before this incident, and the acquisition of this disorder is likely distressing. This form of expressive language disorder is much less common.
IPP
A students with expressive language disorder is under the code 57 according to Education Alberta. To make an effective individual program plan, Alberta Education has an excellent resource that you can follow step by step. Chapter 6 is especially helpful. To find out what different strategies there are for students with expressive language disorder, check out the effective teaching strategies section of this website.
Learn Alberta provides an excellent definition of what this disorder is, and to read it click here. For a shorter definition, expressive language disorder is when a student has problems expressing themselves, usually with verbal communication being effected the most. Written expression may also suffer. They are able to understand language, but they struggle with using it. These students have average intelligence, and likely understand many words that they cannot use within their writing, or speech.
It is important to remember that sometimes expressive language disorder doesn't present on its own. It may be seen in conjunction with other disorders such autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Expressive language disorder fits under a larger umbrella of communication disorders, which are classified as a Code 57 under Education Alberta.
What should I look for?
If you think that one of your students may have an expressive language disorder, here are some things to look for. The student may use simple words, short sentences, have troubles communicating their ideas, or use filler words like "stuff", "fine", or "like". These students may also use gestures to stand in for their lack of words. An example of this is seen in this video, which shows a young girl who has expressive language disorder. She understands what she is talking about fully, but has issues with communicating her ideas.
The main thing here is that the students does understand the information, has age appropriate intelligence and comprehension skills, but cannot appropriately communicate their ideas.
There are actually two types of expressive language disorder. The difference is in when and why the disorder starts.
1. The first is developmental expressive language disorder. This means that the child was born with the condition, and as of right now we do not know why it effects some children. It is more common in boys then in girls, and has likely already been recognized by the parents of caregivers. The first signs of this disorder are usually seen around the time when the child begins to talk. These students likely have strategies that their parents use with them, so communication is important. Finding out ways in which to make the students more comfortable in your classroom can decrease their anxiety and help them relax.
2. Acquired expressive language disorder results from trauma to the brain, such as a stroke or seizure. It is likely that these students were able to communicate normally before this incident, and the acquisition of this disorder is likely distressing. This form of expressive language disorder is much less common.
IPP
A students with expressive language disorder is under the code 57 according to Education Alberta. To make an effective individual program plan, Alberta Education has an excellent resource that you can follow step by step. Chapter 6 is especially helpful. To find out what different strategies there are for students with expressive language disorder, check out the effective teaching strategies section of this website.