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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
for Parents & Staff
Speech-language pathology is an incredibly exciting and expansive field, and we know that teachers and parents have tons of questions for us!
Dive into the fantastic slideshow from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association that beautifully showcases our vital role in schools.
What Do SLPs Target?
Receptive Language
A receptive language disorder is characterized by difficulty understanding language (e.g., phonology, morphology, semantics, syntax). This student might have difficulty understanding age-level vocabulary, following directions, or responding to questions.
Expressive Language
An expressive language disorder is characterized by difficulty using language (e.g., phonology, morphology, semantics, syntax). This student might have difficulty using age-level vocabulary, using complete sentences, or using correct grammar.
Pragmatic Language
A pragmatic language disorder is characterized by difficulty understanding and using the social aspects of spoken language. This student might have difficulty following conversational rules, understanding non-verbal communication, understanding non-literal language, or changing communication based on the social context.
Voice
A voice disorder is characterized by abnormal vocal quality, pitch, loudness, or resonance. This student might present with a hoarse, breathy, hypernasal, or hyponasal vocal quality.
Articulation
An articulation disorder is characterized by sound errors such as substitutions or omissions. Articulation errors are normal in young children. However, if they persist past a certain age, it may indicate an articulation disorder. This student might be difficult to understand, even when given a shared context, and have difficulty imitating sounds, even when given a model.
Phonology
A phonological disorder is characterized by sound errors that follow certain patterns. These patterns, called phonological processes, are used to simplify speech and are normal in young children. However, if they persist past a certain age, it may indicate a phonological disorder. This student might be difficult to understand, even when given a shared context, and have difficulty imitating sounds, even when given a model.
Fluency
A fluency disorder is characterized by disruptions in the flow of speech. This student might present with sound or word repetitions, sound prolongations, or blocks. This student might also present with secondary characteristics, such as eye blinks, facial movements, tapping, etc.
Motor Planning
A motor planning disorder is characterized by difficulty planning and coordinating the movements required for speech. This is also called apraxia of speech. This student might present with inconsistent sound errors, groping movements of the mouth, vowel distortions, or voicing errors.
Concerns in the Classroom?
Consult with your school’s speech-language pathologist. They may be able to provide you with strategies to support the student in the classroom setting.
Careful Considerations
Does the student present with difficulties in one or more of these areas of speech and language that are unrelated to dialect, cultural differences, or the influence of a foreign language?
Next Steps
If the answer is yes to all the above questions,
a referral may be warranted. ​
Who to Contact
Speech-Language Pathologist:
If the concerns are ONLY in the area of speech sounds, stuttering, or voice.
​
Intervention or Referral Services Team (I&RS) or Child Study Team:
For all other concerns, including receptive, expressive, or pragmatic language.
Click below for a handout for more information
about the differences between a referral to the
Speech-Language Pathologist vs. the Child Study. ​​
Please note, these are general guidelines. Please contact your school's Speech-Language Pathologist with any questions or concerns.
Factors to
Keep in Mind
Bilingual Language Development
Jersey City is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the nation. Our residents speak over 40 different languages. See below for resources regarding bilingual language development.
There are many facts and myths surrounding the topic of bilingual language development.
New Jersey Speech-Hearing Association (NJSHA) released a brochure which provides more information!
