How common are language impairments? What does a language impairment actually look like in conversation? How do language impairments affect children and adults at school and at work? Where can people get help to find a diagnosis and treatment? What are some practical strategies and tips teachers and parents can employ to help kids with a language delay to reach their potential?
All excellent questions, especially from parents who are worried something might be wrong with their child’s language development.
In 2013, a group of UK-based speech-language pathologists, academics, teachers and – most importantly – children with language impairments and their families, collaborated to create the fantastic RALLI YouTube Channel. The channel is stocked with great videos answering these – and many other – questions.
I suggest starting here with Professor Dorothy Bishop’s excellent overview.
A full list of videos appears here.
The videos are short, informative and practical. They tackle the hard realities of language impairments head-on. They debunk myths and prejudices, demonstrating, for example, that children with language disorders are not lazy, stupid or disobedient. And they shine a bright light on a “hidden disability” that is more common the autism spectrum disorder and dyslexia.
What I love most about the videos is the opportunity to hear from the children themselves. Watching Stephanie, Seb and the other children tell their stories – of the obstacles they’ve faced and the progress they’ve made with the right help – is immensely inspiring.
Hi there, I’m David Kinnane.
Principal Speech Pathologist, Banter Speech & Language
Our talented team of certified practising speech pathologists provide unhurried, personalised and evidence-based speech pathology care to children and adults in the Inner West of Sydney and beyond, both in our clinic and via telehealth.
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