In continuing with the language-based learning disabilities topic, I found some specific strategies that families, teachers, and SLP’s can use to help children with the disorders improve their communication, reading, writing, and spelling. According to ASHA, “Individualized programs always relate to the school work. Therefore, materials for treatment are taken from or are directly related to content from classes (e.g., textbooks for reading activities, assigned papers for writing activities, practice of oral reports for English class). The student is taught to apply newly learned language strategies to classroom activities and assignments. To assist the child best, the SLP may work side-by-side with the child in his or her classroom”. If comprehension or speaking and listening is the issue, family members, SLP’s, and teachers can help the child focus on key details by teaching him/her comprehension strategies, discussing written pieces with the child, and/or have the child state and write answers to questions about the story, even asking the child to give a written or verbal summary of the story. If articulation, pronunciation, or letter-sound ID/distinguishing sounds is the issue, treatment can include rhyming activities, tapping out syllables, or asking children to read or write lists of printed words containing the target sounds. In general, it is helpful to provide simple, step-by-step directions and information in writing and orally. It is also helpful to speak slowly and provide many examples and definitions of vocabulary words. 

It is important to remember that each child and his/her needs are unique and that only once a child has been observed and evaluated can an effective and individualized treatment plan be created. As with all disorders, the more supportive individuals that are in the child’s life, the better his/her prognosis and development will be. For that reason, it is very important that teams of parents/caregivers and professionals work together to support and address each child’s needs. Helping families understand disorders/disabilities, helping them to create realistic goals and expectations for their children, giving them helpful resources, and allowing them to have an important role in their children’s therapy is very important for the family and for the child.   

More info on language based learning disabilities can be found at: http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/LBLD/