Things to consider when a child’s language development is not progressing

We’ve teamed up with Meaningful Speech team member, Jess Teixeira (@jesstheslp) to discuss the various things you should consider as a professional or parent when a child’s language development is not progressing. When we’re not seeing progress as professionals or parents, we need to evaluate what we’re doing to support the child and make changes to what we are doing. The changes sometimes need to happen with us.  

Have I correctly identified how this child develops language?

Language processing is a continuum from analytic language development to gestalt language development. Some children may be “fully analytic”, some may be “fully gestalt”, and some may fall somewhere between the two. It’s important to identify where a child falls on the language continuum so that we use strategies that are appropriate for their language development. 

Are my goals appropriate for this child?

 We support language differently depending on where a child falls on the language continuum. Strategies that we use to support children who fall more towards the analytic language end, or are “fully analytic” are different than those we use to support children who fall towards the gestalt end of the continuum or are fully gestalt. If you’re not sure where a child falls, we always recommend using strategies meant for gestalt language processors. This is because analytic language processors will take what they need (single words) and gestalt language processors will get the whole phrase language models they need. All children can benefit from natural language modeling and child-led therapy. These strategies include… 

For example, gestalt language processors may continue to stay in the early stages of their  language development (using delayed echolalia/scripting) if we write goals and use strategies meant for analytic language processors such as expansion, targeting grammar, focusing on asking and answering wh-questions, or increasing vocabulary through single word labeling).

How is my connection with this child?

Ask yourself…does the child trust and feel safe with me? Trust and safety are foundational for engagement and progress. It is necessary that we always assess these before we even jump into modeling language or focusing on a child’s goals. This isn’t something we only spend a few sessions on when we first begin working with a child. We should continuously assess the trust & safety a child feels with us regardless of how long we've been working with them as it may change. We love this model from occupational therapist Greg Santucci called the Model of Child Engagement. You can check it out here. 

Are the child’s sensory needs being addressed?

Along with trust and safety, regulation is foundational to engagement and progress. We need to be proactive about supporting a child’s sensory needs. We don't want to wait until a child is dysregulated to support them. Sensory supports should be included within a session and available to the child in a session if and when they need it.  We want children to be well-regulated when we’re supporting their language development. If a child is dysregulated they cannot focus on the language support we're providing. 

Am I acknowledging and honoring all communication?

We support language development through interaction. Ignoring communication does not support a positive relationship with the child and sends the message that their preferred mode of communication at that moment isn’t valid. We can honor a child’s preferred mode in that moment and still model other modes for the child. All communication is meaningful.

For example, a child might communicate that they are hungry by leading us to the fridge and putting our hand on the refrigerator. We can acknowledge that communication by opening the fridge and getting them a snack and also modeling a potential gestalt they could use to communicate they’re hungry like, “let’s eat!”

Are sessions meaningful to the child?

Child-led therapy allows us to support a child’s language development in a way that is meaningful and intrinsically motivating to them. Instead of focusing on compliance with adult-directed plans, consider focusing on connection and following the child’s lead. Instead of using interests as rewards, allow the child to access items, games, activities of interest and follow their lead. Incorporate their goals naturally.

Have I considered if the child may benefit from AAC?

AAC covers a variety of systems and tools. Speaking, minimally speaking, and non-speaking children can all benefit from AAC. All children deserve access to robust systems, and there are no prerequisites. For some children, these systems are not always the primary mode of communication for children, but they benefit from having them as an alternative. It's important to note that just because children have access to oral speech, doesn't mean they always will. Factors like dysregulation, sickness, fatigue, etc. may affect access to oral speech.

Are my goals and the language I’m using strengths-based?

Ask yourself, how am I talking about the child when they're around (and not around!)? How am I discussing goals with children and/or their caregivers?

We want to empower our clients and their families. We should always presume competence and that a child can not only hear what we say around them but understand what we’re saying around them too. The language we’re using around the child may affect the connection we have with the child and/or how they view themself. 

Do caregivers feel confident supporting the child’s language development? Do professionals know how your child develops language?

If you’re a professional, consider how much time you’ve spent educating and coaching caregivers on how the child develops language and strategies they can use to support the child. Do they understand the way the child develops language? Do they understand how to incorporate language support strategies at home? Caregivers often spend far more time with the child and will make a huge difference in the progress a child makes.

If you’re a parent, does your child’s team know how your child develops language and how to best support them? Unfortunately, not all professionals are aware of gestalt language development. Although well-meaning, they may be approaching your child as a disordered analytic language processor and not using appropriate strategies to support them. If this is the case, introduce resources to their team so that they can begin to make changes to how they’re supporting your child. 

Want to learn more in-depth information about how to support gestalt language processors?

1. Follow us on social media where we post free information about gestalt language development and child-led, neurodiversity-affirming services. You can find us at @jesstheslp and @meaningfulspeech on Instagram and Facebook.
2. There are many free podcasts, webinars and articles to get you started. A comprehensive list of resources can also be found on our website. We've released a new FREE masterclass on echolalia and child-led therapy that is perfect for anyone starting their learning journey or on the fence about purchasing our courses! 
3. Consider taking the Meaningful Speech course to learn more about how your child or client processes language, how you can help support them from echolalia to self-generated (original flexible) language, child-led therapy, and neurodiversity-affirming practices. Looking for something shorter? We have a 1-hour introductory course perfect for extended family, daycare or school staff.
4. Consider taking our AAC + Gestalt Language Processing course. It will teach you how to identify, evaluate and support gestalt language processors who use AAC or who you think might benefit from AAC.
5. Look for a speech-language pathologist (SLP) who "gets it" and can help you in supporting your child's language development. Check out our registry for SLPs who understand gestalt language processing and child-led therapy.
6. Are you a school-based or private practice clinician looking for intake forms for new clients/students or creative visual reminder posters for your space? Check out the Meaningful Speech Marketplace.