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| Common Speech and Language Questions and Answers |
How do I know if my child qualifies for speech and/or language services?
Multiple measures are required for a student suspected of having a communication disorder (as a primary disability or requiring related services).
1. The student must be evaluated by a qualified Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) using assessment instruments and procedures that are appropriate for the diagnosis and appraisal of a communication disorder.
2. Documentation must be provided that indicates that the student has a disorder in language, voice, fluency, or speech to such a degree that special education is needed and adversely affects the student's educational performance.
3. A complete battery of assessments (e.g. intellectual, physical, or adaptive behavior) may not be needed to determine that a communication disorder exists. Needed assessments are determined by the special education team located in the school.
4. Upon completion of testing and other evaluation materials, a group of qualified professionals (the special education team assigned to a school) and the parent of the student must determine whether the student is a "student with a disability" as defined in Part B of the IDEA and these rules.
What is a Communication Disorder?
A communication disorder is a speech or language impairment such as impaired articulation, language impairment, stuttering, or a voice impairment that adversely affects a student's educational performance.
What are some possible signs of a Communication Disorder?
Signs that might be present are when a child's speech or language is significantly different from that of other children of the same age, sex or ethnic group; when a child's speech and/or language is hard to understand compared to other children of the same age and sex; when the child is making no attempts at verbal communication; or when a child frequently avoids communicating with others.
What causes a Communication Disorder?
Frequently, the cause is unknown. Some known causes of a communication disorder include a variety of syndromes that effect speech and/or language, cleft lip or palate, hearing loss, and vocal abuse/misuse.
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