Children with behavioral difficulties often have Language difficulties which are not recognized. Research has revealed a strong correlation between behavioral-emotional disorders (BED) and Language disorders. Approximately 55% to 72% of children with behavioral-emotional difficulties will also have a some type of Language problem. For some it may be like the chicken and the egg question. Which came first? The problem with language or the problem with behavior? Regardless of how it starts, there is no doubt that language influences behavior and that behavior influences language. Those with behavioral-emotional difficulties are likely to have trouble understanding what people say and also struggle to put their thoughts into words. The area of language that is affected the most is the social use of language- communicating with others in everyday situations; this is referred to as pragmatic language. A speech and language pathologist is the professional who can determine if a language problem exists and how mild or severe it is. Unfortunately, the speech-language pathologist is often overlooked because the behavioral problems are the number one concern.
I have often heard the responses "It's just behavior", "He understands when he wants to", "He's just stubborn" or other similar statements. One memory which stands out in my mind was when I was asked to evaluate a teenager who was fourteen years old. It was the first time his language had been examined. The evaluation revealed a six year delay in language skills; his language was equal to that of an eight year old. When a language disorder goes undetected, it not only impacts communication, but self-esteem as well.
Every child who has is having behavioral problems needs, and should have, a language evaluation. A language evaluation will be able to discover how well your child understands, is able to speak, and how well he can use language in his everyday life. Knowing what a child's language skills are will also help with developing an appropriate educational program, assist in developing a behavioral intervention program, and may also provide helpful information to the child's counselor or psychologist.
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