Speech and Language Impairment

Speech and Language Impairment (SLI)

Speech and Language Impairment (SLI) is a communication disorder that affects an individual's ability to understand and produce language. Individuals with SLI may encounter the following issues:

  • Articulation: Problems with pronouncing sounds correctly, leading to unclear speech.
  • Fluency: Disruptions in the flow of speech, such as stuttering, may encompass the repetition of words or syllables, the prolongation of phonemes, an irregular speech rate, and speech blocks.
  • Voice: Mostly caused by overuse or incorrect use of vocal cords. These lead to hoarseness, pitch issues, nasal sounds, and vocal polyps.
  • Language Processing: Difficulties in understanding or using language, affecting both expressive and receptive language skills.

  1. Challenges in articulation, language processing, and expressing thoughts clearly
  2. Difficulties in following directions, frequent grammatical errors, and disorganised expression
  3. Increased anxiety in speaking situations, particularly those requiring instant responses
  4. Difficulties in communicating effectively, which may lead to lower self-esteem

  • Check with students to know their preferred communication style, whether it's verbal, written, or visual
  • Use clear and direct language; avoid jargon and complex sentences
  • Be patient and give students ample time to express themselves
  • Practice active listening by giving full attention and responding thoughtfully
  • Repeat using your own words to ensure you understand what the student is saying
  • Use visual aids to support verbal communication

  • Offer students additional time to process information and respond during discussions
  • Assist students by matching them with patient and understanding peers, if necessary
  • Allow audio/video recordings of lectures for revision
  • Allow the use of assistive aids (e.g. real-time captioning, speech-to-text software)
  • Repeat instructions and provide verbal and visual cues
  • Provide learning materials prior to class to enable early preparation
  • Discuss special learning and exam arrangements privately with students.
  • Encourage students to express their needs and preferences regarding accommodations

  • Consider flexibility in time and format for assignments and tests
  • Allow extended time for exams (recommended by professionals)
  • Provide alternative assessment formats (e.g. video recording of oral presentations)
  • Adapt grading criteria to focus on content and understanding rather than language proficiency
  • Arrange a separate room for exams/tests to minimise distractions if possible

Speech and Language Impairment Speech and Language Impairment

https://sense.edb.gov.hk/en/types-of-special-educational-needs/speech-and-language-impairment/introduction.html