Language Problems

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Receptive Language Problems

1. Does not respond to questions appropriately
2. Cannot think abstractly or comprehend abstractions as idioms ("mind sharp as a tack"; "eyes dancing in the dark")
3. Cannot retain information presented verbally
4. Has difficulty following oral directions
5. Cannot detect breakdowns in communication
6. Misses parts of material presented verbally, particularly less concrete words such as articles (the book; a book) and auxiliary verbs and tense markers ("He was going"; "She is going")
7. Cannot recall sequences of ideas presented orally
8. May confuse the sounds of letters that are similar (b, d; m, n) or reverse the order of sounds and syllables in words (was, saw)
9. Has difficulty understanding humor or figurative language
10. Has difficulty comprehending concepts showing quantity, function, comparative size, and temporal and spatial relationships
11. Has difficulty comprehending compound and complex sentences

Expressive Language Problems

1. Uses incorrect grammar or syntax ("They walk down together the hill"; "I go not to school")
2. Lacks specificity ("It's over there by the place over there")
3. Frequently hesitates ("You know, um, I would, um, well, er, like a, er, soda")
4. Jumps from topic to topic ("What are feathers? Well, I like to go hunting with my uncle")
5. Has limited use of vocabulary
6. Has trouble finding the right word to communicate meaning (word finding)
7. Uses social language poorly (inability to change communication style to fit specific situations, to repair communication breakdowns, and to maintain the topic during a conversation)
8. Is afraid to ask questions, does not know what questions to ask, or does not know how to ask a question
9. Repeats same information again and again in a conversation
10. Has difficulty discussing abstract, temporal, or spatial concepts
11. Often does not provide enough information to the listener (saying, "We had a big fight with them," when we and them are not explained)

Sources: Adapting Instruction in General Education for Students with Communication Disorders, by D. Barad, 1985, unpublished manuscript, De Kalb: Northern Illinois University; and Strategies for Teaching Students with Learning and Behavior Problems (6th ed.), by C. S. Bos and S. Vaughn, 2005. Copyright © 2005 by Allyn & Bacon. Reprinted by permission.