48 NOVEMBER 2023 I n parenting and education, the common belief is that a child must exhibit serious concerns before considering a speech-language screening. However, taking a proactive approach to screenings provides valuable insights into your child’s growth and ways to support their development. Screenings serve as a guide to assess if a more in-depth evaluation is necessary. Opting for a screening allows you to consult an experienced speech-language pathologist (SLP) who has interacted with your child and can offer specific recommendations. Here are seven signs that may indicate your student would benefit from a screening: Difficulty storytelling : Storytelling involves multiple language skills. Students must not only sequence events but also vividly describe them. Vocabulary and sentence structure challenges can leave listeners confused. Storytelling isn’t just academic; it’s crucial for social connections. SLPs assess your student’s narrative abilities and determine if they need extra support to tell stories effectively, helping them connect with peers and enhancing their writing skills. Difficulty following directions : When a student has trouble understanding and following instructions, it can indicate issues with their working memory, vocabulary, and information processing. If this persists and they struggle with age-appropriate directions, it could signal a developmental language delay or auditory processing challenge. A screening can initiate a discussion about their information processing and strategies to support them. Academic struggles in reading and writing : Sometimes, students can be confident verbal communicators but struggle with aspects of language processing and written expression. Academic tasks such as answering comprehension questions and expressing ideas on paper require intricate language skills. Therapy can provide needed tools and strategies to address these challenges effectively. Speech sound difficulties : The people closest to the student, like family and friends, tend to miss speech sound errors since they grow accustomed to and can pick up on the student’s speech patterns. If you start to notice your student getting frustrated, feeling embarrassed, and their pronunciation impacting their spelling or reading skills, it’s time for speech screening. Neurodiversity (if you suspect): Neurodiverse brains with profiles like dyslexia, ADHD, dysgraphia, and autism call for instructional methods that are carefully tailored to each individual. SLPs have extensive training in the intricate relationship between spoken and written language, making them valuable to your student’s support team. Stuttering frustrations : Partnering with a therapist offers more than communication strategies. Students must be immersed in a nurturing atmosphere where stuttering is accepted. A screening can initiate a dialog and resources for self-advocacy and confidence, fostering holistic growth and well-being. Vocal quality changes : Consider a speech screening if your student exhibits a hoarse or hyponasal (stuffy nose quality) vocal quality without an illness. These vocal qualities may signal problems like vocal misuse, sinus issues, vocal cord nodules/polyps, or reflux. Persistent changes warrant evaluation by a healthcare professional or SLP for proper diagnosis and intervention. Recognizing signs that indicate your student may benefit from a speech screening is a proactive step in supporting their development. Addressing potential challenges early fosters growth, confidence, and well-being. illuminatefamilyworkshop.com When to consider a speech-language screening Treisha Wan, M.A., CCC-SLP, is a speech- language pathologist and owner of Illuminate Family Workshop. BY TREISHA WAN T H E XAVIER EFFECT Where Young Women Finish Strong xcp.org Xavier College Preparatory is a Catholic community that strives to prepare young women of faith with knowledge, skills, and integrity to meet the challenges of a changing global society in a positive and productive manner celebrating unity. Next Steps in Admissions Process Admission HSPT Entrance/Placement Exam at Xavier College Preparatory Sat., Dec. 2, 2023 | 7:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Sat., Dec. 9, 2023 | 7:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Affording a Xavier Education Financial Aid Workshops available to interested parents during the Entrance/Placement Exam Testing, Dec. 2, 2023 and Dec. 9, 2023. Deadline for Application Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024 Go to XCP.org for more information All are welcome! * ...........

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